Black Men Walking

Synopsis

On the edge of the Peak District, three Black men set out on their monthly walking group, unaware that their journey will take them far beyond the physical landscape.

Thomas, a history enthusiast grappling with personal demons, leads fellow walkers Matthew and Richard on what should be a routine hike. When they encounter Ayeesha, a young rapper seeking solitude, their paths intertwine in unexpected ways. As a sudden snowstorm descends, the group finds themselves lost not just in the treacherous terrain, but in the labyrinth of their own identities and the weight of history.

Testament’s Black Men Walking is a lyrical exploration of Black British identity, seamlessly blending contemporary dialogue with poetic interludes voiced by ancestral spirits. The play deftly navigates themes of belonging, cultural legacy, and the complexities of race in rural England. Through a mix of naturalistic scenes and surreal moments, the work challenges preconceptions about Blackness in Britain, weaving together historical facts and personal struggles. The result is a powerful meditation on what it means to claim a place as home, both literally and figuratively.