Queens of Sheba

Queens of Sheba, New Diorama Theatre

an uplifting and emotive insight into the black female experience in the UK

Queens of Sheba is a raucous, poetic, musical tribute to all black women who have to deal with sexism and racism, otherwise known as misogynoir, on a daily basis. Written by Jessica L. Hagan and devised by the creative movement, Nouveau Riché, this play is loosely based on the infamous incident at the London nightclub DSTRKT back in 2015 when a group of black women were turned away for being “too black”. This show gives an uplifting and emotive insight into the black female experience in the UK.

From navigating the professional work place, to dating white men and black men, childhood experiences, colourism, and beauty standards this play hits every aspect of a black woman’s daily life with such impact there is no denying the truth of our experience. I can’t count the number of times my hand went to my chest as these four beautiful, vivacious women told my story on that stage. It was like they knew all about me and I didn’t need to say a word or bring proof, they were my proof.

Queens of Sheba is a raucous, poetic, musical tribute to all black women who have to deal with misogynoir, on a daily basis

They peeled back the layers of identity that always manages to come up when you are asked that question “Where are you from…from?” with a humorous but raw response. Tackling the complex relationship between hip hop and black women; the music we love that hates and disrespects us on a worldwide level and feeds into the negative stereotypes of us being ‘hoes’ ‘golddiggers’ and whatever else. The play also bravely calls out black men for their part in our daily battle with misogynoir and their treatment of us in relationships, on the street and within the community. My goodness there was so much unpacked in these powerful 60 minutes that I sat and watched one of the most impactful shows I’ve ever seen. I cannot recommend this show enough it is without a doubt in my mind: FANTASTIC.