'This "love" word. Do people just use it when they feel sorry?' Eshe hasn't left the flat. Loved ones keep reaching out: blowing up her phone and showing up at her front door. They say they're going to 'save' her. She's not saying anything back. Until, in the dark early hours, surrounded by half-eaten food, dirty washing and a damn good playlist, she focuses on the letter in front of her. babirye bukilwa's play ...blackbird hour is a visceral and moving exploration of care, belonging and of one queer Black woman's attempts to love herself. It was first performed at the Bush Theatre, London, in 2025, produced by Vital Xposure and directed by malakaï sargeant, before touring the UK. It was shortlisted for the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting, the Women's Prize for Playwriting and the Alfred Fagon Award. babirye bukilwa is an actor, playwright and poet. ...blackbird hour serves as a continuation of their critically acclaimed playwriting debut ...cake.