Supacell star Tosin Cole’s new project Shifters is a heartwarming tale of Black love
As a gamer who’s been through countless tales of love and loss in virtual worlds, I can honestly say that Benedict Lombe’s “Shifters” has managed to weave a story so captivating and heartwarming that it felt like stepping into a new level of reality. The play takes us on an emotional rollercoaster ride through the lives of two beautiful souls, Dre and Des, whose love story transcends the boundaries of time itself.
Shifters spoilers follow.
Benedict Lombe’s “Shifters” narrates the tale of two African-American high school sweethearts, Dre (known from “Supacell” and “Doctor Who” as Tosin Cole) and Des (recognized from “The Power” as Heather Agyepong), who revive their intricate relationship after spending years apart.
In a fresh spin, we have Dre, a British individual with Nigerian ancestry whose initial dialogue mirrors that of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. To steer clear of troubles in his old neighborhood, he resides with his grandmother and eventually becomes part of the debate team at his new school.
It is there that he encounters Des, a young woman with both British and Congolese heritage, and the offspring of a well-respected neurologist, who captures his attention and interest.
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Initially, they cross paths at the funeral of Dre’s grandmother, a event that brought Des back from New York after many years spent pursuing her dream as an artist. At this juncture, they are both 32 years old and reminiscing about their shared past, which spans from their teenage years up until early adulthood.
Following a brief period of tentative interactions and jocular exchanges, Lombe’s production unfolds a captivating, intricate love tale marked by vibrant stage lighting and reminiscences from various stages of their life, skillfully interwoven to create a cohesive narrative.
In simpler terms, Dre discovers his cooking abilities due to his affection for Des. Now, he takes her to his recently established Nigerian-Congolese restaurant in their hometown. He humorously tells Des that there are no eggs used, which is a witty remark that doesn’t make sense until we are reminded of their teenage years.
In a different setting, we observe Des showing a strong negative reaction towards a dish of eggs and cinnamon prepared by Dre, which eventually becomes clear to both Dre and the viewers why that specific aroma provoked such intense distress in Des.
Cole and Agyepong skillfully foster their partnership through a blend of playful banter, subtle jealousy, and genuine affection. They each excel at captivating the crowd and stage without the aid of numerous props or backup performers.
In the course of the play, their dynamic is electric, seemingly passing from character to character, and ultimately reaching out to the spectators. The palpable tension arises at crucial moments, while the genuine affection between them is so vivid it’s hard to believe it isn’t real. Almost as if I were witnessing a genuine relationship unfold.
The adolescent kiss, initially filled with excitement, unveils a deep-seated passion over time, making spectators eagerly anticipate further developments as they grow older.
The skillful blending of past and present events significantly intensifies the narrative of Dre and Des’ tale, making it increasingly intricate.
They can’t escape the love they once had, and the questions they left unanswered. “Why did you leave?” he asks at one point, and she responds: “Why didn’t you ask me to stay?’
During their journey, they encounter unforeseen twists and heartfelt disclosures about how their lives have evolved since being separated. Throughout, there are delightful exchanges of affectionate jokes and banter.
For Lombe, Shifters signifies a trailblazing achievement, as she becomes the third Black British woman to have one of her plays performed on London’s West End stage.
Ultimately, this narrative underscores the profound impact that the people we encounter in life can have on shaping and even altering our destinies. It’s beautifully illustrated through a touching story that celebrates Black love.
The play “Shifters” is being performed at the Duke of York’s Theatre in central London until October 12th. It moved there after a successful run at The Bush Theatre. You can buy tickets starting from £20, which includes booking fees, through outlets such as ATG Tickets and LOVEtheatre.
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2024-09-03 17:22