The Huntington’s Sojourners Captivates and Stirs Emotion
An amazing start to the Ufot Family Cycle in Boston
Photo Courtesy of Marc J. Franklin
Photo Courtesy of Marc J. Franklin
Photo Courtesy of Marc J. Franklin
Sojourners
Written by Mfoniso Udofia
Directed by Dawn M. Simmons
Location: The Huntington Theatre (264 Huntington Ave, Boston)
Dates Playing: Oct. 31-Dec. 1
Sojourners, by Mfoniso Udofia, the first play in the nine-play series Ufot Family Cycle, follows the story of Abasiama and her husband Ukpong, a Nigerian couple studying in Houston in the 70s — about a decade after the Nigerian Civil War. As a Nigerian-American, this play resonated with me. In fact, this play has resonated with me for quite some time, ever since I was thirteen and first saw the play as produced by Playwright’s Realm in New York City in 2016. Needless to say, I was excited going into The Huntington’s production, directed by Dawn M. Simmons. The excitement was clearly warranted because this production held my attention and countless emotionally resonant moments lingered in my head long after the show.
The play starts with Abasiama far into her pregnancy. Her marriage, arranged by her and Ukpong’s families, is under strain from their differences. Abasiama is focused on her studies while working at a gas station and intends to follow through on the plan to return to Nigeria after they have received their degrees. Ukpong, on the other hand, has fallen in love with American culture and wants to stay and live free of responsibility.
As the nine-month mark creeps closer, Abasiama meets Moxie, a spirited and bold young woman surviving on her own, and Disciple, a fellow Nigerian — more specifically, a fellow Ibibio student — who is lonely and struggling to express himself in his writing. All of these characters push Abasiama in one way or another to think about her ideas of herself, her marriage, and her responsibility to her family. Through this narrative, the play tackles several themes, such as assimilation, betrayal, love, longing, and friendship.
The four actors in this play work together to bring the play to life, giving dimensionality to each of the characters and creating a connection with the audience. Abigail C. Onwunali gives a powerful portrayal of Abasiama, capturing her rage, grief, happiness and every shade of emotion in between with striking acuity. Even when she isn’t speaking, her face brims with expressiveness that is highly compelling. She certainly brought me to tears during this show with her performance. Asha Basha Duniani infuses Moxie with vibrant energy that shines through in both comedic and serious moments. Nomè SiDone plays Ukpong, balancing his charm, inconsiderateness, and overall flighty nature expertly. Joshua Olumide portrays Disciple’s nuance well, making me consider the character in a new, perhaps less sympathetic light than previously.
The technical aspects of this show were as captivating as the narrative itself. Upon walking into the theater, the audience is met with a complex tableau of wires crossing and weaving across the stage in different panels that would later shift to frame the different settings (scenic design by Jason Ardizzone-West). The use of these panels made each scene feel more intimate. The lighting in this show, designed by Aja M. Jackson, further immersed me in the play’s world, especially with the use of on-stage practical fixtures. Further, the costumes, designed by Sarita Fellows, stood out in Moxie’s wardrobe of bold and expressive outfits that captured the character’s spirit. Overall, the design choices created a vivid world for this narrative to take place that strengthened the play’s impact.
Sojourners is a play that lingers in the mind long after seeing it. Through it, Udofia tells a complicated story that stirs emotions. The incredible acting, design, and direction take Udofia’s words to create a truly beautiful, funny, and emotional performance that is not to be missed.
Sojourners will be running at The Huntington Theatre until December 1st. Discounted student tickets are available through the box office.The other eight plays of the nine-play Ufot Family Cycle will be produced across the Boston area over the next two years at a number of different theaters.