‘Dreaming Whilst Black’ producer on the n-word karaoke scene

The new Showtime series “Dreaming Whilst Black” has already gotten compared to “Insecure,” “I May Destroy You,” and “Master of None.” 

“We’re in great company, I think,” executive producer Nicola Gregory told the Post. 

“Obviously it’s a show that is very different, and all of those shows are different. But what brings us together is the authenticity of the characters, and how relatable they are.”

Premiering Friday, Sept. 8 on Paramount+ with Showtime and Sunday, Sept. 10 on Showtime (10 p.m.), “Dreaming Whilst Black” is a half-hour comedy set in Britain, based on a web series and BAFTA-winning BBC pilot of the same name. 

Co-created by and starring Adjani Salmon, the show follows Kwabena (Salmon), an aspiring British filmmaker from a Jamaican family who is stuck in a dead-end recruitment job. 

The show follows his daily life as he tries to take steps towards his goal of being a writer and director – all while struggling to pay rent, navigate his own love life with Vanessa (Babirye Bukilwa) and participate in mentorship programs, since he’s an outsider with no connections in the industry. 

“We want viewers in the U.S. to engage in discussions. We want them to catch a glimpse of black British life, and to see our shared experiences, and idiosyncrasies,” said Gregory, who has also been a producer on Prime Video’s “Riches.”

Kwabena is a frequent daydreamer, and some scenes in the show are happening in his mind. 

“I feel like the themes of the series and the show are very relatable, and resonate with most creatives. Wanting to follow that dream while doing that day job you probably hate,” said Gregory. 

“It also shines a spotlight on micro-aggressions. I think the show does a fantastic job of doing that. It’s not poking fun at, but it’s highlighting these things in a way that’s digestible.”

The show gives “Succession” a run for its money, in the realm of awkward karaoke scenes. 

In the first episode, Kwabena goes to a karaoke bar with his work colleagues, including Adam (Alexander Owen). Kwabena is the only black person in the room, and things take a turn when a white colleague enthusiastically sings a song riddled with the n-word.

 “We had apprehension about a scene like that, but we knew the meaning behind the scene,” said Gregory. 

“To have something that was the catalyst for Kwabena to quit  his job. Also when you look at it, it happens! I’ve been in a bar or club and just out in spaces, where a song comes on, and everybody is singing the n-word, and you’re like, ‘Wait a minute, do you not know who is around you, here?’

“It was a cringe moment, but everyone understood the intention behind it. It was one of those times where our white actors were like, ‘Do I have to say this?’ We had a lot of chats with people, to let them know that it’s okay, and to allow everyone to feel like they’re in a safe space. There is content in the show that can be triggering or cringe or make people feel uncomfortable. But, I think everyone knew what we were trying to achieve.”