BRENDA’S GOT A BABY
Photo by: Cesare De Giglio
Brenda’s Got a Baby by Jessica Hagan
Written by Jessica Hagan, of Queens of Sheeba, Brenda’s Got a Baby follows the rise and fall of Ama. We journey with her as she explores her identity and belonging in a space that dictates and assesses her life based on what she has. This sitcom-like play, shines light on the diasporic experience, and what attainment and love is meant to look like. In just under 2-hours, Hagan discusses the 30 something experience from a cultural perspective, heartbreak, the effects of divorce, the black sperm donor shortage, sisterhood, motherhood and more in this play that feels a little incomplete, over-dramatic and prolonged.
After having her first child at 16, Brenda went on to have 4 more children. Her new born Jadon-Temilade acts as a catalyst of desire for our protagonist Ama, as a terrible break up causes her to set herself a 365 day countdown to have a child.
Ama (Anita-Joy Uwajeh) is a highflyer; she has a first-class degree, recently received a promotion and has just bought her own 2-bed flat - fulfilling all of her dreams, bar one. She is in her late 20’s, with no husband or children; missing the one thing she felt would add to her life and qualify her for a level of completion. The play starts with Ama updating her younger sister Jade; (Jahmila Heath), 24, married, christian, on the recent encounter she had with her old school mate - Brenda. Ama looked down on Brenda (some may argue unintentionally) as “everything we (they) were taught to shame, Brenda became”. This was not the case for Ama and her sister. They worked hard and did things the right way, but the looming question is where did this get them?
The play is unbelievably funny from the outset, filled with many cultural references as talks of Keisha the Sket, Real Housewives of Atlanta and Love Island fill the room with roaring laughter. Michelle Asante, boldly takes on the role of a typical Ghanaian (read african) mother; from asking for grandkids to intertwining Twi with English whilst calling on the Lord’s name. She engages the audience with her ranging emotions and keeps the play incredibly lively. Skippy (Edward Kagutuzi) who is Jade’s husband is a phenomenal addition to the cast, owning his role as a devout christian, faithful husband and part-time rapper. Like Michelle, Edward fills the room with laughter, but it is his perfect one-liners and soft personality that wins the hearts of the audience. Dami (Jordan Duvigneau), the source of Ama’s heartbreak plays a crucial role in dropping the plot twists that move the play forward, though it never really lands.
TK Hay’s colourful jigsaw set aptly symbolises the fragmented state of Ama’s life. Initially, it appeared to be a beautiful concept, however as the play developed the pieces seemed to obstruct each other, never really fitting in or connecting with the overarching narrative. Similarly, the story seems to miss the mark in building a connected and seamless narrative . The story lines are brief and numerous, resulting in a lack of clarity and focus. Moreover, the themes explored were incredibly important, but due to the sheer number, the exploration is surface level, and each topic needs more time and dedication to ensure they settle in.
Hagan is an incredible writer and storyteller as seen with Queens of Sheeba; however this particular play feels a little too comical for the poignant themes being explored. It felt as childish as it did Nollywood-esque, with no real reverence to the issues being discussed resulting in an abrupt ending that failed to truly resonate with effectively.
Despite the humour, one can leave the show having laughed their heads off whilst still questioning the play’s essence and the message it imparts.
★★★☆☆
Brenda’s Got A Baby is showing at New Diorama Theatre until December 2nd 2023.
