Shifters, by Benedict Lombe has transferred to the West End after a successful run at the Bush Theatre, the highly-regarded intimate theatre space that nurtures new playwriting talent from all backgrounds. This recent play with its genesis from an off-West End venue surely generates excited anticipation even before the show begins. Even the play’s tagline, ‘a fierce new romance’ intrigues. The playwright, shockingly, is only the third black female playwright to be produced on a West End stage. That is reflected in an audience that, on opening night, was refreshingly racially diverse. And playing just down the street is another work that also delves into the black experience, Slave Play, by Jeremy O. Harris.
Shifters is two-hander that runs almost two-hours without interval. It traces the relationship of a UK couple of African heritage from school through early adulthood. The play crosses back and forth over this timescale as their intimate friendship shifts and develops. The couple is alternately competitive, conspiratorial, almost lovers, then briefly lovers, and by the end of the evening they settle on “soulmates” which is an apt summation of this multi-faceted relationship. The entire evening rests on the nimble shoulders of Dre (Tosin Cole) and his almost girlfriend, Des (Heather Agyepong).
Des and Dre confide in the audience, and thus make us complicit witnesses to this ever-evolving friendship – one that is alternately charged with sexual frisson, and suppressed by a fear of exposing too much vulnerability. Des and Dre tumble through a gamut of emotions and experiences at lightning speed — from playfulness, to sarcasm, through romantic flirtation, to jealousy, and finally acceptance. The time frame shifts almost as quickly. At one moment they are dancing wildly to the music of Congolese musician, Papa Wemba, then staring longingly at each other, or in the next moment trying to hide the hurt of unmet expectations. The characters’ split-second shifts in tone and style can at times feel jarring. Lombe’s writing beautifully reveals the depth of these complex emotions, and her dialogue melds a lyrical poetry alongside the vernacular of contemporary black youth.
Some of the audience is seated in rows on the back of stage which helps create a more intimate space for the action, but the play still feels overwhelmed by the transfer. The adept lighting guides us through the many rapid shifts in time and space. However, the simple, black raised platform stage with neon tubes suspended above the action that change colour, and the black bankers’ boxes for props, all feel a tad low-budget.
Shifters succeeds in what it sets out to explore. Larger spaces invite productions to tackle broader themes and concepts that reverberate beyond the world of the characters, themselves. Lombe’s is a refreshing new voice to follow.
Until: 12 October, 2024
Running Time: nearly 2 hours, without interval
Playwright: Benedict Lombe
Director: Lynette Linton
Cast: Heather Agyepong and Tosin Cole
Set and Costume Designer: Alex Berry
Lighting Designer: Neil Austin