|
|
|
|
|
A case of family fortunes
Egusi
The Door, Birmingham Rep
**** THIS funny and heartfelt production of
Egusi Soup in the Door of Birmingham Rep gives a warm and engaging
display of emotion in all the right places. Amusing, gripping and captivating thanks to
sublime writing from playwright Janice Okoh with each performer doing
more than justice to the interesting characters that she has created. One year on from the death of Mr. Anyia, this
British-Nigerian family are due to travel back to Lagos for an honorary
memorial to honour Mr. Anya’s death. Taking a short trip back home isn’t
as easy as it seems. It is clear that death and grief has taken hold
of each member of the family in very individual ways, and each story is
remarkably and superbly revealed in each and every character, not to
mention having to think about pesky baggage allowance. Each character has a raw relatable quality that
is so easy to instantly connect and empathise with. The beautiful
writing from Okoh allows us to see both the family unit as a whole and
their individual struggle with grief for a father and well respected
man. The play is centred on the death of Mr Anyia. He takes his part in
the play with a single photo and a worn out arm chair in which nobody
would dare to sit in. It has become a sacred vessel amongst the
elaborate and impressive set. Naturally, the loss of a loved one is hard for
anyone to handle, especially when the person is so close. Okoh creates
true sensitivity in a unique and thoughtful way with each character’s
personal story told by the wonderful actors who have captured so
effortlessly the incredible journey of the family. Mrs. Anyia, played by the funny and strong Lorna Gayle, is the matriarch. She follows the rules and is a lover of Nigerian tradition, making for a funny and energetic performance. Her strong portrayal of Mrs. Anyia is brilliant from beginning to end. Grace and Anne, played by the deep and profoundly connecting Anna-Maria Nabirya and Gloria Onitiri are sisters with a unique relationship. As a seemingly successful barrister working in the States, Anne returns home and reveals just how much she needs her family. Onitiri puts an empathetic and heart-wrenching stamp on her character which almost leaves us feeling as if we could embrace her right in the middle of the action. She has a wonderful talent on stage. Her melodic voice with the delivery of speech is truly captivating. Grace has problems of her own. Newly wed to Dele
(played by the remarkable Seun Shute) we discover that their marriage is
not what it looks like from the outside and Nabirya and Shute takes us
on a gripping journey.
Elizabeth Halpin
|
|
|
|
