The 1990s: Expanding Horizons and Deepening Narratives

The 1990s at the Royal Court saw a continuation and expansion of Black British drama, with playwrights delving deeper into complex themes of identity, history, and the Black experience both in Britain and internationally.

Winsome Pinnock, who had emerged as a significant voice in the 1980s, continued to make her mark. Her play Talking in Tongues (1991) explored the complexities of relationships and identity across London, New York, and Jamaica. Later in the decade, Pinnock’s Mules (1996), produced in collaboration with Clean Break Theatre Company, offered a gripping look at the world of high-class drug couriers, examining the intersection of race, class, and criminality.

Fred D’Aguiar‘s A Jamaican Airman Foresees His Death (1991) brought a poetic sensibility to the stage, exploring the experiences of Jamaican men in the Royal Air Force during World War II. This play highlighted the often-overlooked contributions of Caribbean people to British war efforts and the complexities of serving a “mother country” that often failed to recognise their humanity.

Biyi Bandele emerged as a powerful new voice with two significant works. Marching for Fausa (1993) tackled political corruption in a fictional African country, bringing international Black experiences to the Royal Court stage. His adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s seminal novel Things Fall Apart (1997) was a landmark production, bringing a classic of African literature to life for London audiences and exploring the devastating impact of colonialism on traditional societies.

The decade closed with Roy Williams’ Lift Off (1999), which examined the fracturing of a lifelong friendship between two school friends, Mal and Tone. This play marked the beginning of Williams’ long and fruitful relationship with the Royal Court, and his exploration of masculinity, friendship, and race would become hallmarks of his work.

These plays emerged against the backdrop of significant social and political changes in 1990s Britain. The decade saw the rise of New Labour and its emphasis on multiculturalism, but also continued racial tensions, exemplified by events such as the murder of Stephen Lawrence in 1993 and the subsequent inquiry. The plays of this period reflect a growing complexity in the portrayal of Black British experiences, moving beyond simple narratives of immigration or racism to explore nuanced questions of identity, belonging, and the legacy of colonialism.