In the Black *****

Kofi is on stage, attired (if that’s the word) in an orange jumpsuit. A Black man is in prison – cue the pearl-clutching – and he has a life sentence. But it’s not what you think.

Kofi (Quaz Degraft) is a numerical marvel, entertaining his fellow inmates by solving mathematical puzzles, and is clearly articulate. So, how did he come to be incarcerated?

He is first-generation Ghanaian, raised in New York. His family has imbued him with a strong work ethic, and he has, albeit narrowly, avoided the pitfalls of the inner-city underworld. Kofi graduates with honours in accountancy and lands a big break: he is employed by a large financial institution on Wall Street, managing funds in excess of $1 trillion.

He embarks on a relationship with a colleague, works hard, and the financial and lifestyle rewards follow. A dark cloud, however, is looming. His father has contracted cancer, and his medical insurance will not cover the treatment. Kofi is expecting a six-figure bonus and promises to cover the cost.

A pivotal moment follows, where he must choose between supporting his girlfriend or his father. Under pressure, he makes what transpires to be the wrong decision, perjuring himself in the process. He subsequently regrets his actions, recants his testimony, and is imprisoned. The life sentence, of course, is the damage to his relationship.

The American dream is out of reach for many people, especially those of colour. The systemic and institutional conflicts confronting Kofi are articulately depicted by Degraft. Furthermore, the pressures that ordinary citizens face regarding medical insurance cannot easily be understood on this side of the Atlantic. All of which give rise to Kofi’s initial overreach, signposting the juxtaposition between ambition and morality. A word here for Degraft’s adept and sharp writing, introducing layers of conflict and turmoil, truly giving the performer a barrier against which to push.

Quaz Degraft is an extremely talented and charismatic performer. His stage is more or less bare, save for an accountant’s suit, yet his consummate storytelling holds sway. He embodies myriad emotions: dignity, ambition, shame, guilt. It’s all very impressive. He sings beautifully and turns his hand to guitar for good measure, but it is his understated yet powerful performance that is truly gripping. It is a fine piece of solo theatre and Degraft is marked as a star of the future.