Sleepova is an exuberant thrill ride through the pains of growing up.
Sleepova by Matilda Feyiṣayọ Ibini is a powerful coming-of-age play that follows the journey of four Black girls who navigate their way through their teenage years, facing a myriad of problems, including illness, bereavement, exams, sexuality and romantic disappointment. Directed by Jade Lewis, the ensemble cast, comprising Shayde Sinclair, Bukky Bakray, Aliyah Odoffin and Amber Grappy, are raw, energetic, and utterly convincing.
The play begins with the girls at a sleepover party to celebrate Shan’s sixteenth birthday. As the night progresses, the girls share their deepest fears, dreams, and secrets with each other. While they bicker and squabble, they remain bonded by the closeness they have developed since childhood. The characters are relatable and their conversations, studded with authentic slang, Yoruba phrases, and pop culture references, are fresh and real, reflecting contemporary life.
Sleepova successfully captures the myriad of woes that the modern teenager could suffer from. Yet, whilst successful at navigates each drama and ensuring each character’s life has sufficient problems, everything manages to resolve a bit too easily. However, the warmth, humour, and humanity that the cast brings to the stage more than compensates for any flaws.
Shan (Aliyah Odoffin) is a mixed-heritage girl who suffers from sickle cell disease. Funmi (Bukky Bakray) is in touch with her Nigerian heritage, while Elle (Shayde Sinclair) is a devout Christian. Both are besotted with Shan’s brother Solomon. Meanwhile, Rey (Amber Grappy) is eccentric and queer, embracing her sexuality and Yoruba heritage. Each character is nuanced and multi-faceted, making them more than just archetypes and each performance does justice to the text, full of nuance and specificity which was a delight from start to finish.
Sleepova is a joyful, all-over-the-shop play that captures the essence of a final year of school. It is a beautiful exploration of friendship and the shift into adolescents whilst offering a safe space for young Black girls to share their stories and secrets.