Play Details
Context
Artistic Director
Max Stafford-Clark
Dates Performed
Tuesday 13th February 1979
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
Play Details
Synopsis
London, late 1970s
“Full Frontal” by Michael Hastings is a one-act play from the 1970s that gives us a deep look into the harsh racist views of the National Front. The story is told by Gabriel, a black man, who shares his struggles living in a country where he often feels pushed out and judged. Even as he tries to fit in by repeating the views of those who push him away, he finds it hard to truly be accepted. This play talks about who we are, where we belong, and the unfair ways people can be treated.
Cast & Creative
Cast
Winston Ntshona
Designer
Jim Clay
What our readers say
What is it like reading this play now?
The 2020s intensified anti-immigration sentiments, echoing the Brexit era. Asylum seekers in the UK now face heightened obstacles, including detention and deportation. The government’s clear prejudice towards certain groups mirrors Gabriel’s struggles in trying to appease the National Front. For many, particularly those marginalised, Gabriel’s experiences hit close to home.
What does it tell us about the past and the present?
Black individuals, from Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond, still grapple with discrimination. While it may not always mirror Gabriel’s overt challenges, systemic biases, like police prejudice, persist. Other marginalised groups also face hurdles, often overshadowed by media distractions. Despite evolving narratives, the underlying biases of a white, patriarchal system remain.
What films or music does it make you think of?
Quite different in form but I think of ‘Dear White People’, or ‘Get Out’.