Esohe Uwadiae’s new play To Be You is a one woman show following the journey of two young women learning to embrace themselves as they are, over the course of a lifetime. Shifting seamlessly between present and past, the incredible Efé Agwele moves deftly between the two main characters as well as a host of additional individuals. Her movement and physicality is detailed and nuanced, while her vocal work creates a multitude of characters, each of whom is distinct from one another. She holds our attention in the tiny Glitch basement studio with ease, taking us in as if speaking with friends, a playful connection with each of the audience members, drawing us in.
Shakira Newton’s direction is at the core of this truly exceptional production; she guides Agwele musically through Uwadiae’s script, finding delightful shifts in pace and energy, and using the space to create dynamic depth that transports us away from the low ceilinged basement to the edge of a cliff, and beyond.
This is a really outstanding piece of work, well worth your time - and I hope to see it remounted for a longer run.