A PROFOUNDLY AFFECTIONATE, PASSIONATE DEVOTION TO SOMEONE (-NOUN)
a profoundly affectionate, passionate devotion to someone (-noun) by debbie tucker green
Everybody wants to be in love - but this is what comes with it…
There’s a lot to digest in Anyanwu’s rendition of debbie tucker green’s “a profoundly affectionate, passionate devotion to someone (-noun)”. Beyond the elaborate title, we’re invited to witness a gritty, and brutally honest exploration into the less Instagram-able side of romantic relationships.
Seen through the lives of three couples, tucker green’s play unveils the reality behind three seemingly happy relationships. The audience are taken on a journey from heated exchanges over the challenges of cohabitation, to the life altering moments that can’t be separated from a partner. Green’s script lays every nuance bare, exposing all shapes and manner of dialogue that takes place in relationships.
With the space that words occupy, it makes sense for Dusty Morrison and Pippa Tuck’s set to be stripped back to a neutral, near colourless backdrop, a bed, desk and sofa. Costumes are just as plain and minimal, with the cast bearing no character names. All of this nodding to the mandatory focus on the dialogue. We could be anywhere, at any time and these characters could be anyone - maybe even everyone - intentionally timeless.
The play is given life through the 1st couple, ‘A’ & ‘B’ played by Kaneesha Watt and Jibreel Salaam. Through this young couple, we get a glimpse into the passion that creates new life, causes arguments over the TV and is distorted when traversing through a partner’s personal tragedy.
The two move between the mundane and poignant stages of life seamlessly, an impressive undertaking as they cross years worth of conversation which at some point or the other, are recognisable to any long standing relationship. And, while the interruptions, half sentences and elliptical dialogue initially feel unfamiliar, performances from Watt and Salaam quickly ease us into this new way of conversing and we swiftly come to grips with what Green is getting at with this play.
Judging by audience reactions with each unfinished sentence, one is quickly drawn to complete sentences internally and personally just like one would in an active argument.
The job of couple 2, ‘Man’ and ‘Woman’ played by El Anthony and Zahra Jennings Grant, is not as challenging or heart-wrenching but still highly involved as they attempt to address the handling of her illness amongst other issues. Ruthless sparring and missed opportunities to express mutual affection comes after what seems like a long-suffering relationship and though it fails and we see ‘Man’ move on to be with ‘Young Woman’ (Arianne Carless). With Couple 3 we are privy to the intricacies of an age gap relationship, however we are swiftly reminded that the stubbornness, tenderness and need to be desired are ageless and familiar.
a profoundly affectionate, passionate devotion to someone (-noun) thoughtfully gives voice to every side of an argument you’ve already had, everything you wanted to say but didn’t and every thought you had after it was too late to say it. A thankful reminder that in an era of superficiality, a loving relationship does not have to be perfect. Consequently, if you’re in a relationship, this is one to watch and if you’re single - take a sneak peek into the side your “couple goals” aren’t showing you.
By Gabrielle Oke.
★★★★☆
This week only at South London Theatre.
