Omari Douglas and Alexander Lincoln Warn Audiences: New Queer Play "This Bitter Earth" May Make You Uncomfortable

"This Bitter Earth," the highly anticipated play by Harrison David Rivers, is set to make its West End debut this summer under the direction of Tony and Emmy Award winner Billy Porter. Starring Omari Douglas, celebrated for his role as Roscoe Babatunde in "It's A Sin," and Alexander Lincoln, lauded for his performance in "In From the Side," the production promises a raw exploration of love, identity, and race within queer communities.

The narrative follows Jesse (Douglas) and Neal (Lincoln), an interracial gay couple navigating the volatile intersection of personal relationships and the broader currents of societal change. Set against the backdrop of a racially charged America, the play unflinchingly confronts issues of identity, history, and activism.

In promotional interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, both Douglas and Lincoln have emphasized that "This Bitter Earth" is not designed to offer easy answers or comfortable viewing. Instead, the production aims to unsettle audiences and provoke frank discussions about privilege, allyship, and the lived realities of queer people of color.

In a recent interview, Lincoln stated, “It’s a really beautiful play... but it doesn’t shy away from the difficult parts. The discomfort is intentional, because it’s in those moments that we grow and empathize”. Douglas echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the play’s power lies in its ability to reflect the audience’s own biases and assumptions back at them, inviting deeper self-examination.

Billy Porter, making his UK directorial debut with "This Bitter Earth," has described the play as “a searingly poignant and necessary” work that addresses both personal and political loss through the lens of America’s fraying democratic ideals. Porter’s vision for the production is rooted in compassion but unflinching in its interrogation of difficult truths.

Producer Thomas Hopkins further affirmed the creative team’s commitment to authenticity, noting the importance of assembling a cast and crew reflective of the communities represented on stage. The production features set and costume design by Morgan Large, sound design by Julian Starr, and original music by Sean Green, all contributing to a world that feels both immediate and immersive.

For many in the queer community, "This Bitter Earth" is already being recognized as a milestone for LGBTQIA+ representation in mainstream theatre. The play’s exploration of intersectionality—addressing not only sexuality but also race and activism—resonates deeply at a time when many LGBTQIA+ people face renewed political and social challenges worldwide.

Audience members are encouraged to approach the play with openness and a willingness to engage with its difficult questions. As Porter noted, “Simple. Complex. Direct and filled with compassion all at once. I’m thrilled to be part of bringing this very special piece to life”.

With its bold storytelling and commitment to truth-telling, "This Bitter Earth" stands as a clarion call for empathy, understanding, and lasting change within and beyond the LGBTQIA+ community.