In the Black Review Explores Faustian Bargain in Finance

The play "In the Black," currently showing at Underbelly, Bristo Square in Edinburgh until August 31, offers a dramatic exploration of the allure and moral complexities of high finance through the character of Kofi Grady. Written by Quaz Degraft, the production draws upon the playwright's background in finance to depict a material and often misogynistic corporate world. Kofi, a first-generation Ghanaian American, embodies the pursuit of the American dream, driven by a desire for the comfort and control he associates with financial success. His ambition is shaped by his father's emphasis on job security as a key component of success, a value system that Kofi seeks to transcend through his mathematical acumen applied within a trillion-dollar financial institution.

The narrative delves into Kofi's motivations, revealing a deep-seated craving for what he perceives as lacking in his upbringing. This craving is vividly illustrated by his teenage experiences as a joyrider in a high-performance car, an activity that provided him with a sense of exhilaration and mastery. This formative experience fuels his present-day drive for wealth and status, positioning his career in finance as a means to achieve a level of control and security he has always desired. The play thus frames his professional journey as a quest for betterment, a concept central to the traditional narrative of the American dream.

"In the Black" stages these personal ambitions against the backdrop of a demanding and ethically ambiguous financial industry. The review highlights the play's engagement with the Faustian pact often associated with rapid wealth accumulation in such environments, suggesting that Kofi's pursuit of success may involve significant moral compromises. The production at Edinburgh Fringe aims to dissect the psychological and societal pressures that lead individuals to make such choices, particularly within a system where financial power is paramount. The play’s setting at Underbelly, Bristo Square, provides a platform for this examination of ambition, identity, and the potential costs of achieving the ultimate financial success.

The review, published on August 7, 2026, positions "In the Black" as a significant piece within the Edinburgh Festival's theatrical offerings. It underscores the play's thematic depth, focusing on the intersection of personal aspiration and the realities of the global financial sector. By centering on Kofi Grady's journey, Degraft's work invites audiences to consider the broader implications of wealth acquisition and the ethical frameworks that govern the pursuit of success in contemporary business.