By Amanda VanNostrand.
Inis Nua is currently host to Untitled, a play from England by Inua Ellams. This show that sheds light on identity and destiny will be showing at The Luis Bluver Theatre at The Drake until May 12, 2019. Unique as a one-man performance, Untitled encourages implicit and explicit thinking and learning. Playwright Inua Ellams was born in Nigeria and his written works have earned several awards: The Live Canon International Poetry Prize, The Arts Council of England Award, a Wellcome Trust Award, shortlisted (twice!) for the Brunel Prize for African Poetry, longlisted for the Alfred Fagan Award, Edinburgh Fringe First Award 2009 and the Liberty Human Rights Award. And in addition to the intriguing play, works of Nigerian textile artist Yemisi Ajayi are on display in the lobby, and viewers are treated to displays of historical facts and beautiful artwork of Nigeria before viewing the show!
Walking into the theatre brings the audience into what appears to be an outdoor area, complete with rocks, a tree, and a dirt floor (complete with drips from the ceiling!), the colors and layout being one of the most striking parts of this production. Marie Laster is the scenic designer and her work is phenomenal! (Look forward to the rain!)
On October 1st, 1960, Nigeria claimed independence from Britain. October 1st is also the date that the two characters of Untitled were born. Twin boys born in Nigeria, their parents waited seven months to name them. During the ceremony the first twin was named, while the second was found to be nameless and therefore without a destiny. The mother of the twins took the first twin to Britain to be raised while the second boy remained in Nigeria, unloved and abandoned by his father and mocked and tormented by the members of his village. As he discovers his path in life (or does he?) the audience watches as he discovers that something is missing. The scene switches over to England where the named brother lives, and the two lives are obviously intertwined. They make discoveries about themselves and their commonalities and find the strength that has resided within.
Keith Illidge plays the parts of both brothers (X, Y) and is tasked with the challenge of two parts: a pair of twins who remain similar at the core while having grown up with exceedingly different lives (not to mention different accents and personas), and his presentation draws the audience’s attention and approval throughout. His abilities are exquisite, his performance flawless.
Untitled takes place in Nigeria and London in real time. Today Nigerians in London are sending their children back to Nigeria in order to conserve the traditions and culture. As the director of this show, Jerrell L. Henderson writes, “May we, like the brothers in our play, truly learn to see each other, come together, and push further together.” With a message like this, one would hope that you will pick up your ticket.