Seize The Day
Seize the Day is the best play I’ve read during lockdown: a bold statement. Yet, one I wholeheartedly believe in. I’ve read earlier works of Kwei Armah: Elmina’s Kitchen, Fix-up. Seize the Day shows the growth in Kwei-Armah’s use of dialogue. Conversations becoming more realistic with the pointless moments spent talking about daily life being used to expose hidden secrets, ambitions in characters.
The story follows Jeremy Charles in his pursuit to become London’s first black mayor. Kwei-Armah gives an insight into the seedy nature of politics; Jeremy is frequently instructed to use his blackness to appeal to black constituents while demonising these same groups in his search for votes from the white majority. In a way hitting home, on the importance of an understanding of the political system. The consistent narrative of the black vote being less important given political apathy in the community.
This lead to an internal struggle between Jeremy pursuing politics to change matters within the community. Whilst, being advised to do the complete opposite by his peers.
A personal favourite of mine was the dynamic between Jeremy and his mentee Lavelle. The peer meeting in altercation at the beginning of the play which puts both character’s in the spotlight. However, over the course of the play the pair begin issues in each other. Posing questions to the reader on black identity and classism, through the feelings of survivor’s guilt felt by Jeremy knowing he was more privileged. While Lavelle struggles with his self esteem resulting in him going off the rails with Jeremy mentorship helping him realise his capabilities.
‘Seize the Day’ is the best play I’ve read in a long while because of the natural dialogue, the smooth transitions which allow themes and questions to unfold and the sheer complexity of Jeremy Charles. A definite must-read!
