Gripping and visceral, a moving depiction of a young queer black man’s struggle with anxiety.
Premiering at the Bush Theatre, ‘Dreaming and Drowning’ is a Mustapha Matura Award-winning play written and directed by Kwame Uwusu. The Bush Theatre, renowned for fostering emerging talent and amplifying unheard voices, is the perfect venue for this brilliant production. Already sales for this show have soared, and Bush Theatre announced before press night that the run would be extended with performances now running until 5th January.
The story follows Malachai, a young queer black man who has been eagerly anticipating a fresh start and the next chapter of his life: university. He’s settling in, he’s got a stack of books to read and he’s met someone new – Kojo, a musician with a megawatt smile, who’s basically perfect… But something doesn’t feel right. He keeps having the same nightmare – sinking, crushed by the weight of the ocean – and it’s getting worse… A beast grows in the water, hungry, relentless, hunting him but always just out of sight. As the boundaries between nightmare and reality fracture, Malachi must fight harder than ever to stay afloat.
Uwusu’s powerful and evocative writing captivates the audience from the opening words. The dream sequences, filled with poetic and visceral imagery, serve as a poignant metaphor for the weight and omnipresence of Malachai’s anxiety. It’s very hard-hitting, and these moments are all the more impactful as they contrast with the more conversational, every-day language of the rest of the piece. Malachai addresses the audience directly, and we’re moved to care for this young man and route for him to overcome the anxieties that hold him back.
Tienne Simon is fantastic. His portrayal of Malachai is energetic and expressive, and he clearly has a talent for physical theatre. His excitement as Malachai meets Kojo is endearing and infectious, and his frustration as he is confronted with the prejudices of his peers is palpable. This is an honest portrayal of a very real story which many can relate to.
Simon portrays all of the characters involved in the story. When it comes to switching between the secondary characters the accents become a little muddled, but the overall characteristics are distinctive and clear. We are intrigued by Kojo’s deep voice and inviting manor, we laugh along with the exuberant Ade and we are agitated by the ignorant, self-importance of Barney. All of the characters are familiar – walk onto any university campus and you could meet them.
The simple yet effective set design by Tomás Palmer, combined with Holly Khan’s sound and Josua Gadsby’s intricate lighting, immerses us in Malachai’s world and nightmares.The studio’s close confines enhance the intimacy and effectively maintain the atmosphere.
I would highly recommend attending a performance of Dreaming and Drowning, but tickets are selling fast, so hurry and get one while you can!