Princess & The Hustler Analysis

Princess & The Hustler is a play set in Bristol, England, at the height of the 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott. The play is narrated from the characters' perspective and dialogue using a poignant mood and a somber tone. The play's central character is Princess, and the adversary is racial bigotry. The primary conflict in the play is the struggle of James' family in navigating a racially alienated world. The main issues discussed in the play include intolerance, optimism, unity, and love.

Thematically, Odimba starts by exploring the topic of racism. The play shows the systematic hostility against minority groups in Bristol, England. James' family struggles to fit in a divided society based on skin color and ethnicity. When James Wendell tries to find a job to sustain his family, he is racially discriminated against despite having the required qualifications. Odimba discloses the strategies used by Companies to mistreat black people when he explains the causes of the Bristol Bus Boycott. For instance, the company is biased when recruiting employees because it prefers whites regardless of their qualifications. Black people and other minority groups are denied job opportunities in the Bristol Bus Company.

The other critical topic in the play is optimism. Despite the societal challenges, Princess is determined to become a beauty queen in England. Notwithstanding living in a white predominant country, Princess believes that she will maneuver to defeat all the whites to become the beauty queen. Princess' mother is intrigued by her daughter's motivation to excel regardless of the rampant discrimination against minority groups. Princess hopes for a free world where every person has equal chances of success.

The play concludes by examining the significance of solidarity and love. Solidarity is illustrated through communal coordination to boycott the Bristol Bus services. The Blacks and Asians join hands to say enough is enough and jointly demand to be given job opportunities in the company. Solidarity is also expressed in James' family where members support each other to achieve their dreams despite living in a divided society. Reconciliation between Wendell and Mavis also foreshadows hope, love, and unity.