TV Preview: BBC’s ‘Noughts + Crosses’

This evening brings with it the hotly anticipated debut of ‘Nought’s + Crosses’ on BBC1.

The six-part series is a TV adaptation of Malorie Blackman‘s like-titled book series, which has won numerous awards – including the Fantastic Fiction honor.

While staying true to the heart and body of the original story, the visual incarnation adds a contemporary kick.

The narrative tells the tale of an alternate world where a flipped form of racism divides society.

Anchored by Masali Baduza and Jack Rowan, the narrative centers on the love story between Sephy and Callum.

Sephy is a ‘Cross,’ a member of the Black ruling class and daughter of a prominent politician. While Callum is a ‘Nought,’ a white member of the underclass.

Much as we were during an early viewing, the masses will no doubt be glued to screens as the pair navigate complicated layers of power, family, and prejudice in a narrative that very much speaks to the divided socio-political climate of today.

Ahead of its premiere That Grape Juice caught up with the executive producer of ‘Noughts + Crosses,’ Kibwe Tavares.

His words on the must-see series, which features an appearance from superstar Stormzy, below…

“To reimagine an alternative World, where African culture is the dominant culture, I had to try and unlearn the world as I know it and use all of my life experiences and education to date and flip it on it head. It was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences I’ve had. Ultimately, I hope that people will pick up on the details and the amount  of work we put in and that it challenge people’s perspective of how they see the world as it did mine.”