Review: STARS, Old Rep Theatre

Photo credit: Ali Wright

Produced by Tamasha and ICA, Stars is described as ‘An Afrofuturist Space Odyssey’, and it certainly does not disappoint.

Written by Mojisola Adebayo, we are taken on the journey of Mrs. She’s a woman in her eighties, sitting alone in her kitchen, looking back and reflecting on her life. Her marriage, her friendships, all the pleasure she has missed out on and the possibilities that she has to reclaim her identity and her future. From ancient West African folklore, via a council flat in South London to the stars!

Debra Michaels plays Mrs (and a string of other characters through her storytelling). She is simply captivating as she uses various accents and personas to tell her story – her past, present and future. It is truthful, honest and heartbreaking throughout, dealing with topics including orgasms, queerness, feminism, genital mutilation and abuse; it’s unafraid of anything. Michaels is superb in this role; she owns the stage from the moment she steps foot on it.

Directed by Gail Babb and S. Ama Wray, the narrative is supported by projected animations (animation artist Candice Purwin), a live DJ (Bradley Charles as Mrs’ son, Michael), and creative captions (Stephen Lloyd), which provide additional stimulus for the audience.

This is a crucially important piece of theatre, highlighting the element of hidden frustrations and the pain we carry secretly within our lives. We truly never know what a person is hiding within them, why they are hiding it and how we can help them to set their struggles free. Mrs finally finds her freedom; it is never too late! We can all reach for the stars!

Inspiring, thought provoking and imperative.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

Stars plays at Northern Stage, Newcastle on 19 & 20 June and Everyman, Liverpool 22 & 24 June.