The Rolling Stone, theatre review: Scorching portrayal of love and persecution

Chris Urch’s scorching play takes its name from a Kampala newspaper that, for a few months in 2010, exposed the identities of gay Ugandans and called for their execution. It probes what it’s like to live in a society where being outed can be fatal — and portrays an explosive clash between religious dogma, personal loyalties and the frenzy of a media witch-hunt.

The central figure is Dembe, a sparky 18-year-old. When we first see him he’s stargazing with his lover Sam, a mixed-race doctor from Northern Ireland. Dembe’s playfulness and flashes of youthful uncertainty are charming, but soon we recognise the threat they pose to the security of his family — as his brother Joe comes under intense scrutiny after taking over as pastor of their local church.

Ellen McDougall’s simple, lucid production boasts a memorably volatile performance from Fiston Barek as Dembe. Sule Rimi is excellent as Joe, especially when his preaching becomes fiery and militant, and Faith Omole has a striking gravity as their courageous sister Wummie. The key relationships are finely drawn by Urch, who writes with rare passion about the ugly politics of persecution — and about how far people are prepared to go for those they love.

Until February 20, Orange Tree, Richmond (020 8940 3633, orangetreetheatre.co.uk)

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