Dreaming Whilst Black

"Dreaming Whilst Black" is a striking, fresh, and profoundly engaging show from BBC Three that had its debut in 2023. The series undertakes a remarkable exploration of the Black British experience, acutely navigating themes of ambition, love, belonging, and identity in an industry where systemic structures sometimes dampen the voices of those from diverse backgrounds.

The show expertly balances itself between comedy and drama, drawing its comedy from the fresh, vibrant, and diverse London setting, and its drama from the core alienation that its main character seeks to overcome. It satirically demonstrates the racial bias inherent in the entertainment industry, providing enlightening commentaries on identity, ethnic stereotypes, and the personal struggle for self-definition against wider societal expectations.

The story revolves around Kwabena, an ambitious, energetic, and creative young Black man who immigrates from Ghana to the UK in the pursuit of his dream, to break into the British film industry, one of the world’s most competitive fields. However, the road is not as smooth as he anticipated. As a foreigner, he has to adapt to a new culture and its underlying dynamics, and the narrative brilliantly captures his journey of self-discovery amidst personal and professional struggles.

Kwabena, endowed with a unique perspective lubricated by his Ghanaian roots, is determined to break boundaries and foster change within the industry, but he is often met with resistance, and the show authentically portrays the clash between his diverse idea generation and the established, conventional approach to storytelling.

"Dreaming Whilst Black" is refreshingly honest with its storytelling, embedding themes of race, cultural differences, and the strive for visibility in its episodes. It also gives life to the convergence of African and Western culture within a modern city-scape and resonates with anyone who has ever felt the weight of their dreams tinged by the colour of their skin.

The characters are relatable, authentic, and each of them offers a unique voice that enriches the diverse narrative of the series. The program features a blend of contemporaneous supporting characters, each contributing to Kwabena’s story in unique ways, helping heighten not only the relatability but the depth of the show.

"Dreaming Whilst Black" tackles some weighty themes, but it does not compromise on its humour. It provides comic relief through clever dialogues, character interactions, and situational comedy that lightens some of the more severe societal themes, making the series more generally appealing and accessible.

Direction-wise, the program offers a vibrant palette of creatively shot scenes that ooze modernity and freshness, reflecting the themes the show seeks to convey. It tells captivating stories through the instrumentality of smart cinematography, stunning visuals and a unique narrative approach that seamlessly blend to craft an unforgettable viewing experience.

As for the soundtrack, it is as compelling as the series, amalgamating afro-pop, jazz, hip-hop, and soul in its selection. The music too, just like the themes and characters, undergoes a journey, evolving with the storyline and amplifying the viewers’ connection to Kwabena’s journey.

The script of "Dreaming Whilst Black" is smartly written, the performances are praiseworthy, and the panoramic view of London offers a cinematic appeal that adds to the overall warmth of the show. It blends the emotionality of aspirational story-telling with deadpan humour and social commentary, making it worth your binge-watch list.

"Dreaming Whilst Black" will captivate you, move you, and make you reflect. It will make you laugh, cry, question and hope. Rooting for Kwabena is like rooting for a piece of ourselves – the part of us yearning to achieve our dreams and make an impact in spaces where we’re underrepresented. It’s a series not just for the black community, but also for anyone with a dream and the courage to pursue it whilst holding onto their unique identity.

In a nutshell, "Dreaming Whilst Black" on BBC Three is a must-watch, especially for dreamers and believers, for it sings a beautiful song of ambition, courage, resilience, and cultural blend drenched in both struggle and triumph. It's a song not confined to a particular race or ethnicity but one that echoes in the heart of every human being striving to leave their mark in the world.