This Bitter Earth – Soho Theatre, Soho  

Writer: Harrison David Rivers
Director: Billy Porter

Reviewer: Christine Stanton

“Emotionally Impactful“

4 / 5

When Jesse and Neil first met at a BLM protest, they were intrigued by each other, though the cause was more important than their potential feelings. But Neil finds him on Facebook and the pair enter into a brilliantly loving, but emotionally charged whirlwind of a relationship together.

Neil (Alexander Lincoln) is consumed by politics – frequently attending BLM marches and protests, spreading the word, and doing his best to lend a hand wherever possible. Jesse (Omari Douglas) chalks this up to Neil’s white liberal guilt, dismissing his passion and pain, often frustrated by how much energy Neil puts into the movement. But Neil is equally frustrated by Jesse – as a Black man, he thinks surely Jesse should care about it as much as he does, if not more, and finds his apathy towards it both shocking and disappointing. But Jesse’s tired of the constant, heartbreaking news reports where another Black life has been taken, rather than fight for the cause, his outlook is to live his life as full as possible, because as a Black, gay man, he’s already experienced enough judgement and difficulties in his life as it is.

Harrison David Rivers has crafted an emotionally charged script, packed with intense interactions and cleverly combining political and personal in a brilliantly engaging manner. It’s a heavy narrative, with both race and sexuality at the forefront, as the main characters deal with their interracial, gay relationship during a turbulent period of American history, in the lead up to Donald Trump’s first term as President. True events are referenced as part of the storyline, which adds to the emotional depth; their story is a lived experience by many.

Douglas fantastically captures his characters pain and anger, often shouting his lines through his passionate, impactful presence on stage. Lincoln is more measured and tender, though still has occasional outbursts of upset that are rousing and believable. Their relationship, despite some of their differences, is endearing and sweet, with genuine intent in their conversations. Director Billy Porter keeps the audience on their toes with a non-linear narrative, jumping between various different time-frames and scenarios. At points, it can be hard to follow the progression of the pairs relationship due to the fragmented storytelling style, but it equally adds to the messiness within the relationship.

Some scenes are revisited multiple times, each time with a slightly different focus, which is an intriguing technique that reflects human memory and recollection well, and contributes to the powerful nature of the final scenes even further.

Runs until 26^th July 2025