Young Vic: Associate Company Crying in the Wilderness Productions present CONUNDRUM

Photo credit: Sarah Hickson

The Young Vic will present the debut production from Crying in the Wilderness Productions as a Young Vic Associate Company, Conundrum, running from 14 January-4 February 2022.

This evocative new drama, written and directed by Paul Anthony Morris, dives headlong into a powerful exploration of one man’s trajectory of embracing then owning self-acceptance.

Anthony Ofoegbu (Barber Shop Chronicles) plays Fidel who, prompted by old diary entries, conducts a personal life review to identify his greatest challenges. Possessing an unusually high IQ and initially critiquing society, Fidel becomes alarmed by the prospect that he too, is responsible for undermining his own wellbeing. Perplexed by this conundrum, Fidel embarks on a reflective journey seeking answers to some of life’s most relatable questions: Who am I and why am I here?

Conundrum utilises Ofoegbu’s verbal and physical dexterity to full effect in this tightly woven 70-minute performance.

The production is designed by Sean Cavanagh, with lighting by Jack Weir, and choreography by Shane Shambhu.

Artistic Director of the Young Vic, Kwame Kwei-Armah, said: “I am delighted that Crying in the Wilderness Productions are finally getting to bring their debut piece to our stage, having been delayed by the pandemic. The show’s introspective and philosophical nature asks urgent questions that we as a country are grappling with – arguably more than ever before”.

Conundrum is on sale to Young Vic Friends now, with public booking open tomorrow (13 October) at 12noon here.