"Sojourners" - by Mfoniso Udofia - Huntington Theatre Company (Boston, MA.) - REVIEW
(Cover Photo: Abigail C. Onwunali as “Abasiama” with Asha Basha Duniani as “Moxie,” in "SOJOURNERS" by Mfoniso Udofia, presented by Huntington Theatre Company, 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA. through December 1, 2024. Photo Credit: Marc J. Franklin)
By Kevin T. Baldwin
METRMAG Reviewer
# 774-242-6724
"Remember radio back home? Ama! An instrument of death. But here? Never have I seen anything like it. No guns, no thought of a shot being fired."
- ("Ukpong") / Mfoniso Udofia
Huntington Theatre Company
Presents Mfoniso Udofia's
"SOJOURNERS"
Written by Mfoniso Udofia
Directed by Dawn M. Simmons
Cast Includes: Abigail C. Onwunali as “Abasiama,” Asha Basha Duniani as “Moxie,” Nomè SiDone as “Ukpong,” Joshua Olumide as “Disciple,” Understudies: Aisha Akorede, Malik Mitchell, Kiera Prusmack.
Additional Creative Team:
Associate Director - Kelsey Fonise; Production Stage Manager - Emily F. McMullen; Stage Manager - Lauren J. Burke; Scenic Design - Jason Ardizzone-West; Costume Design - Sarita Fellows; Lighting Design - Aja M. Jackson; Original Music and Sound Design - Rob Milburn, Michael Bodeen; Hair, Wig, and Makeup Design - Earon D. Nealey; Dramaturg - Christine Mok; Additional Dramaturgical Support - Katherine Kovner; Language Consultant - Emmanuel Sylvester; Dialect Coach - Dawn-Elin Fraser; Fight Director and Intimacy Coach - Brandon G. Green.
THE HUNTINGTON THEATRE, 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA.
Performances:
October 31, 2024 through December 1, 2024
(Contact Box Office for Exact Times)
TICKETS:
Available online at huntingtontheatre.org, by phone at 617-266-0800 or in person at THE HUNTINGTON THEATRE, 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston.
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Huntington Theatre Company kicks off its participation in what will be an unprecedented two-year, multiple theatre, 9-play celebration with the first entry in the “Ufot Family Cycle” series, "SOJOURNERS."
Mfoniso Udofia created this epic 9-play “Ufot Family Cycle” using the character of “Abasiama” in "SOJOURNERS" and establishing her as the “Ufot matriarch” whom Udofia describes as a “dynamic and forward-thinking woman from whom an entire Nigerian lineage in America will emerge.”
"SOJOURNERS" was developed in 2013 at the Sundance Institute Theatre Lab at the Sundance Resort then further evolved at the Magic Theatre in San Francisco.
The play made its Off-Broadway debut in 2016.
Now, in 2024, after two years of planning and leadership from the Huntington Theatre Company, all nine of the “Ufot Family Cycle” plays will be produced in Greater Boston by over 30 partners over two seasons, starting with this Huntington production of "SOJOURNERS."
The remaining entries of the “Ufot Family Cycle” plays over the next two years include:
Part 2: “THE GROVE” Presented at the Calderwood Pavilion/Wimberly Theatre. Directed by Awoye Timpo. February 7, 2025 through March 9, 2025.
Part 3: “runboyrun” Produced as an audio play adaptation by: Next Chapter Podcasts in partnership with GBH. With readings held at Boston Public Library – Central Library & Roxbury Branches. February/March 2025.
Part 4: “HER PORTMANTEAU” Produced by Central Square Theater and Front Porch Arts Collective. Directed by Tasia A. Jones Central Square Theater March 27,2025 through April 20, 2025.
Part 5: “KUFRE N’ QUAY” Produced by Boston Arts Academy with advisory support from The Huntington and in collaboration with Wheelock Family Theatre. Boston Arts Academy Main Stage in the Fenway. July, 2025.
Part 6: “THE CEREMONY” Produced with support from Boston Playwrights’ Theatre and Boston University College of Fine Arts. Fall, 2025.
Part 7: “LIFTED” Produced by Wellesley Repertory Theatre. Directed by Tamilla Woodard. Winter, 2026.
Part 8: “IN OLD AGE” Produced by ArtsEmerson and Front Porch Arts Collective. Directed by Dawn M. Simmons. Spring, 2026.
Part 9: “ADIAHA AND CLORA SNATCH JOY (A FOLK OPERA)” Produced by Boston Lyric Opera and The Huntington Theatre. A folk opera featuring songs created with Nehemiah Luckett. Part of Embrace Boston’s Everyone 250 Festival. June/July, 2026.
(Photo: Nomè SiDone as “Ukpong” with Abigail C. Onwunali as “Abasiama” in a scene from "SOJOURNERS" by Mfoniso Udofia, presented by Huntington Theatre Company, 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA. through December 1, 2024. Photo Credit: Marc J. Franklin)
"SOJOURNERS" begins in Houston, Texas in 1978, where we meet Nigerian student Abasiama Ekpeyong (Abigail C. Onwunali) who is studying at an American university.
Onwunali is splendid as Abasiama who, according to her character description in the script, is considered “privileged” and a “paragon of Nigerian femininity.”
Abasiama is also in her eighth month of pregnancy and is experiencing extreme moments of discomfort, perhaps making her feel less than content to be such a “paragon of Nigerian femininity.”
Abasiama is a strong personality from the outset and, although the adversities she is about to face seem staggering at times, it seems that adversity only seems to serve to make her even stronger.
Not helping her situation is her immature husband, Ukpong Ekpeyong (Nomè SiDone), a charismatic young Nigerian man.
Ukpong has completely embraced the "freedoms" America has afforded him (mostly the “freedoms” learned by his exposure to American pop culture – like developing a penchant for laziness, drinking, wasteful spending and an overactive libido).
SiDone does well in making Ukpong a bit more sensitive, though, adding a much-needed layer (albeit a miniscule one) to his otherwise singular-dimensional caricature of an irrepressible and irresponsible negative male stereotype.
(Photo: Abigail C. Onwunali as “Abasiama” with Asha Basha Duniani as “Moxie,” in a scene from "SOJOURNERS" by Mfoniso Udofia, presented by Huntington Theatre Company, 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA. through December 1, 2024. Photo Credit: Marc J. Franklin)
In addition to being a student, Abasiama works nights at a small gas station to help make ends meet (since Ukpong also falls short in this area, of course).
It is here that Abasiama meets abrasive hooker Moxie (Asha Basha Duniani), living on the streets and desperately looking for work at the news stand.
Duniani completely embraces the rabid character of Moxie, who seems far older (and hardened by life) than she is in reality.
However, it is her street smarts and life experiences that have made Moxie wise beyond her years…and quite possibly the only way she has stayed alive.
Yet to continue on the path she is currently traveling just may shorten that life span.
Just as Abasiama reaches a critical juncture in her pregnancy, Ukpong inexplicably (yet simultaneously not surprisingly) disappears.
(Photo: Joshua Olumide as “Disciple” in a scene from "SOJOURNERS" by Mfoniso Udofia, presented by Huntington Theatre Company, 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA. through December 1, 2024. Photo Credit: Marc J. Franklin)
Abasiama and Moxie encounter Disciple Ufot (Joshua Olumide), an intense, brilliant, and driven young male student with a lot of dreams.
Olumide gives an absorbing performance as Disciple, who is an extremely contradictory personality in that he is compassionate, caring and intelligent - yet also maintains strong religious convictions that border on disturbing as the story progresses.
Disciple winds up at the gas station with an empty gas can because he was out driving and ran out of gas.
He had been out for a drive because he needed to get out and clear his thoughts as he has been suffering from a colossal writer’s block while working on a very important thesis.
Now, from this chance encounter with fellow Nigerian neighbor, Abasiama, whom he recognizes, Disciple determines the encounter to be a sign from God, which helps him achieve a breakthrough.
Disciple also instantly (perhaps too instantly, if that’s a thing) finds himself completely smitten by the pregnant and recently abandoned Abasiama.
Concerned about losing her new - and only - friend Abasiama, Moxie confronts Disciple and the two have an intense exchange, leading to some pivotal moments in the play.
(Photo: Abigail C. Onwunali stars as “Abasiama” in Mfoniso Udofia's "SOJOURNERS," presented by Huntington Theatre Company, 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA. through December 1, 2024. Photo Credit: Marc J. Franklin)
The overall set design for Huntington Theatre Company's "SOJOURNERS"” is a masterpiece of transitional technology, elevating from the otherwise basic set requirements of a compact campus apartment, a compact news stand, Disciple’s compact apartment and an equally compact hospital room.
However, it is in the way the flow of each scene has been designed that makes these transitions viscerally fun to watch.
The Nigerian Ibibio accents used are supplemented by some under-augmented dialogue spoken by the Huntington actors which, with the script also moving at an established brisk pacing, perhaps will impact a few from completely understanding some of the dialogue.
That said, this does not diminish from the overall portrayal of the characters by this exceptional Huntington Theatre Company cast.
The term "SOJOURNER" has multiple definitions, including one for a traveler who lives in a place temporarily, usually returning home after accomplishing their intended goals.
Being a "SOJOURNER" distinguishes these residents from more permanent occupants such as refugees and immigrants.
(Photo: Abigail C. Onwunali as “Abasiama” with Asha Basha Duniani as “Moxie,” in a scene from "SOJOURNERS" by Mfoniso Udofia, presented by Huntington Theatre Company, 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA. through December 1, 2024. Photo Credit: Marc J. Franklin)
"SOJOURNERS" is a wonderful way to begin this 9-play cycle journey but in this first “chapter” much of the material seems familiar.
We may not have seen many of the intersecting plots told from a Nigerian perspective, but the characters we encounter and their respective situations are instantly recognizable.
Allowing for the superb writing in Mfoniso Udofia’s text propelled by the astute direction by Dawn M. Simmons, there are still a few “loose threads” dangling from "SOJOURNERS" which hopefully will be pulled into some of the remaining eight chapters.
Perhaps we shall see as the epic “Ufot Family Cycle” saga continues with the second entry in the series, “THE GROVE.”
As directed by Awoye Timpo “THE GROVE” will be presented at the Calderwood Pavilion/Wimberly Theatre beginning February 7th, 2025.
"SOJOURNERS"” continues its occupancy at the Huntington Theatre in Boston until December 1st, and is a fabulous first step in beginning this ambitious two-year journey.
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Approximately two hours, 30 minutes with one intermission.
Kevin T. Baldwin is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA)
@MetrmagReviews
@Theatre_Critics
ABOUT THE SHOW
Rising star playwright Mfoniso Udofia launches her sweeping cycle with a family’s origin story.
Marriage, migration, and the pursuit of education collide when a young and brilliant Nigerian couple arrives in Houston, looking to earn their degrees and bring insights back to their home country.
But when Abasiama discovers that her husband has been seduced by Motown records and American culture, she has to choose between the Nigerian Dream and her obligations as a matriarch.
Director Dawn M. Simmons helms the lively and funny "SOJOURNERS" at the historic HUNTINGTON THEATRE following her acclaimed production of "K-I-S-S-I-N-G" at the Calderwood Pavilion.
ABOUT THE HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY
THE HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY is Boston’s leading professional theatre and one of the region’s premier cultural assets since its founding in 1982. Recipient of the 2013 Regional Theatre Tony Award, THE HUNTINGTON brings together superb local and national talent and produces a mix of groundbreaking new works and classics made current to create award-winning productions. THE HUNTINGTON runs nationally renowned programs in education and new play development and serves the local theatre community through its operation of the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA. THE HUNTINGTON has long been an anchor cultural institution of Huntington Avenue, the Avenue of the Arts, and will remain so on a permanent basis with plans to convert the Huntington Avenue Theatre into a first-rate, modern venue with expanded services to audiences, artists, and the community. THE HUNTINGTON cultivates, celebrates, and champions theatre as an art form.
