Review: This Bitter Earth (Soho Theatre)

Review by Daz Gale

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Making his West End stage debut in Cabaret has clearly given Billy Porter a taste for London as he immediately follows it with another show, only this time on the other side, as he makes his London directorial debut with This Bitter Earth. Would his undeniable talents extend to this new skill, or would it all prove to be a bitter pill to swallow?

This Bitter Earth tells the story of Jesse and Neil, a couple with conflicting passions and priorities. As Black playwright Jesse finds his choices challenged by his white Black Lives Matter activist boyfriend, divisions of race and class play out as they question their places in the world and ask questions on what the future will look like, all the while attempting to keep their relationship strong as they try to love each other unconditionally.

Written by Harrison David Rivers, This Bitter Earth balances the intimate story of this one couple against the backdrop of a growing movement as the very real cases that saw Black people in America murdered play out. This is not just in the background, however. The movement has very real consequences for Jesse and Neil’s relationship. In a master stroke, Rivers opts to have the white member of the relationship the more passionate, while Jesse comes across seemingly apathetic to the situation at first, though we learn through the course of the play and some impassioned dialogue that it is all a lot more nuanced and complicated than that, resulting in some intense and complex scenes.

Rivers' writing creates a refreshing and distinct approach to these very real stories. Real is the key word, as there is authenticity in both the relationship between the two men and the differences they face that threaten the harmony between them. The dialogue has moments of humour throughout, but often masks the seriousness that bubbles away underneath. With their relationship explored in a non-linear approach, we are required to put the pieces together to chart their relationship from their highest of highs and lowest of lows. It is when Jesse’s (Omari Douglas) facade breaks that the true genius of Rivers’ writing shines through, with one pivotal scene near the play’s climax raw and gripping.

The story of the two characters in This Bitter Earth may be a work of fiction, but the world they live in is very real… and very dangerous. Set in the previous decade, the pair speak of their hope at having Obama as President as they expect change, and their fears at what the world might look like with a President Trump. It was a conversation many of us would have had at the time, and the fact we have lived the reality in the decade since makes the writing of This Bitter Earth land with that much more of an impact.

Billy Porter’s direction takes the rather small space in Soho Theatre and uses it as an excuse to accentuate the intimacy. There is nowhere to hide as both characters pace around the theatre (though this does lead to limited sightlines in two scenes), finding ways to bring Rivers’ exceptional writing to life, while bringing his own distinctive voice and style to the play, still channeling the extremely intimate nature of the piece. The result is powerful, with Porter and Rivers’ styles complementing each other perfectly.

Morgan Large’s set design heightens the intimate nature between the two, with a deceptively simple yet effective set that comes alive through great projections, furthered with a beautiful lighting design from Lee Curran. Julian Starr’s sound and soundscape design bring another energy to This Bitter Earth, reflecting the often frantic nature as intensity increases during some of the darker moments of the play.

As incredible as the writing is in this play, the acting from the sensational two performers takes This Bitter Earth to the next level. Alexander Lincoln has a real loveable energy as the passionate Neil Finley-Darden, bringing a sweetness and genuine quality to the impassioned character. Omari Douglas is an absolute revelation as Jesse Howard in a slow-burn performance that allows the mask he puts on to drop throughout. There is a glimpse of this early on where his fears are expressed, but this is nothing compared to the powerful moment towards the end of the show in a sequence that showcases Douglas for the incredible actor he is. Crucially, the pair also display an authentic chemistry with each other, creating a believable energy in a portrayal of a relationship that will warm your heart before it breaks it.

This Bitter Earth tackles serious issues in a creative and gripping way. The fact that these issues are still sadly timely, despite being set a decade in the past, only adds to the poignancy of the piece and the ultimate power it possesses. With strong writing, direction, and two truly knockout performances, the result is a striking, moving, and ultimately impactful watch that played on my thoughts long after I left the theatre. The play has the message to take care of your blessings, and every care has been taken when it comes to the execution of this wonderful play which itself has no shortage of blessings.

This Bitter Earth plays at Soho Theatre until 26th July. Tickets from https://allthatdazzles.londontheatredirect.com/play/this-bitter-earth-tickets

Photos by Tristam Kenton