Benedict Lombe’s play Shifters is everything theatregoers love: clever, vibrant, and heartfelt. The play is a wonderful and nuanced exploration of modern love in London. Directed by Lynette Linton and staged at The Duke of York’s Theatre, Shifters follows the emotional reunion of Dre and Des after an eight-year separation. The two have come together to bury Dre’s grandmother, Nana, a pivotal figure in both their lives. The reunion also serves as an opportunity to finally resolve some unfinished romantic business between the two. Dre, played by Tosin Cole, and Des, portrayed by Heather Agyepong are resplendent on stage –bringing to life the chemistry and longing of their two characters.
At the beginning of the play, Des shares that despite flight cancelations and delays, she has returned home to support Dre. This is an act that reflects her loyalty to him despite the physical and emotional distance between them. At first, Dre and Des, cautiously step around each other, careful not to set off any emotional landmines. However, as they reminisce about key moments from their adolescence, with humor and vulnerability, we see that these two people balance each other out. Where Dre is self-assured and jovial, Des is more reserved and focused. Regardless of their opposite traits, they seem to have built a loving and supportive friendship.
So, if these two people love and support each other, what’s the problem? Dre and Des’ conflict doesn’t stem from a lack of love –but rather from an abundance of it. They know each other’s hopes and dreams and prefer to see each other succeed. Both Dre and Des seem to believe that confessing their desires might hold the other person back, potentially jeopardizing the other’s ambition. It seems that timing is against them. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this play. Shifters is excellently cast, the two actors capture the emotional and humorous journey of modern love. I highly recommend it. Shifters runs until 12th October 2024.
Reviewed by Lydia Kakwera Levy
