A series of very unique explorations of love!
Suitable for ages 14+.
Together Forever!, written by James Pickthall (they/them) and directed by Yusuf Niazi, comprises a trio of twenty-minute standalone sketches, each showcasing how we may try (and fail) to navigate romantic relationships. Jacob Freda and Heather Campbell-Ferguson portray the characters; each has a sketch of their own, before uniting in the third.
The premises of both solo sketches are delightfully unique! The first stars John Freda as a man who deals with his breakup five years prior by building a tunnel in the woods, while the second stars Heather Campbell-Ferguson as an alien who has been sent to Earth to study the human race and ends up falling in love with a human. Both actors are charismatic, Campbell-Ferguson smart as a whip and Freda like the funny, frantic friend who always has the best stories to tell. Their energy is infectious – what with how niche the characters and their situations are, it is truly amazing to FEEL every emotion and behaviour of each character.
The two-hander sketch, while not the most original (both actors star as a couple locked in a room, unable to leave until they have worked things out with each other), is still very entertaining – full of laughs as well as deep moments. Freda and Campbell-Ferguson have great chemistry, comfortable in both the absurd moments (slapping each other with massive foam hands) and the raw moments (revealing their deepest secrets to each other). I will say, I was particularly wowed by Campbell-Ferguson’s microexpressions; she is very attuned to her character’s sensitivities, conveying the most stunningly realistic reactions to Freda’s actions!
Niazi’s direction, however, could use some improvements. The transitions between scenes can be quite confusing and abrupt. I had no idea the second sketch was over until Freda and Campbell-Ferguson’s entire demeanours had changed to fit these new characters! In addition, the premise of the third sketch can be quite difficult to understand; the lead-up to the couple being locked in the room, I mean, could have been written more clearly. Despite this, Together Forever is still a good story to see being brought to life.
There are so many stories about the miseries and complexities of love. Together Forever is refreshing – not only does Pickthall explore love from angles previously untouched, but they also articulate these ideas so brilliantly. They are clearly aware that ultimately, the best way to learn about love is to talk about it. Have two people, in some sort of loving relationship, really get to the nitty-gritty of what love means to them. It is societal as well as personal, the unique moments present among all the relatable ones.
Yes, we want to know about an alien’s experiences with love! Yes, we want to hear about the man who built a tunnel out of post-breakup anger! Pickthall’s creativity is original, and I wish them all the best with this play.
Kudos to all involved!
Runs until 19th April at The Bread & Roses Theatre