The Cost of Being Seen is a bold and reflective piece developed by Trybe House Theatre, inspired by the MOBO Award-winning album Being Poor Is Expensive by Bashy. The work explores visibility, identity and the pressures that come with being seen in a world that often misreads or overdefines young Black men, while also pointing towards the value and possibility that can emerge when young Black men, and those from underserved communities more broadly, are given the right support, resources and opportunity.
Blending stylised movement, ensemble performance and spoken word, the piece moves between moments of intimacy and collective expression. The form allows space for contradiction, holding both vulnerability and strength without forcing resolution.
Performed at the Roundhouse in 2025, the production marked a significant platform for the company, bringing this work to a wider public audience.
The production was shaped through a collaborative process with members of the Trybe, drawing on shared conversations, personal reflection and creative exploration. Rather than presenting a single narrative, the piece builds a layered portrait of experience, where multiple voices sit alongside one another.
The Aftermath
Following its performance, the work led to further opportunities, including direct outreach from Toddla T, the producer of the album, who invited the company to present work on his platform, Steeze Factory, expanding the reach of the company’s work into new spaces. A filmed response to the piece also gained significant traction online, including a viral reaction from Jordan Stephens, which led to hundreds of thousands of views and brought wider attention to the production.
The Cost of Being Seen stands as a strong example of Trybe House Theatre’s approach to making work that is both artistically ambitious and rooted in honest, contemporary dialogue, creating space for young men to express themselves in ways that feel truthful, complex and unapologetic.
