Til Death Do Us Part by Safaa Benson-Effiom - ★★★★☆

Last week, we visited Theatre503 to watch Benson-Effiom’s ‘Till Death Do Us Part’ a distinct and dynamic drama that explores life, death and the things that tie us together.

Set just outside of London, we are introduced to a family of 3, Sylvia, Daniel and their son Andrew; who starts off the dialogue discussing collision theory for his upcoming presentation, a paradox for the events to come. 

Sylvia and Daniel have been married 15 years and their son Andrew is the cord that binds them together - everything is centered around him, their life included. They have their routine which works well, but only when something tragic happens do the cracks begin to show.

In a notably unique way, this play walks its audience through the depths of what can happen when conversations are dismissed and when life takes over and we unintentionally push those closest to us away. Putting family, love, marriage and grief in the spotlight through neat direction and spectacular writing, this play unpacks the topic of sucide in a way that provokes the audience to question and leaves us reflecting on what could be anyone's story.

Under Justina Kehinde’s direction, the play moves with great rhythm, from inception through till the very end. We see a full circle moment, when questions raised at the beginning are answered as the play develops. With a peculiar opening, Justina exposes us to the power of assumptions and the need to stay away from it, foreshadowing what is to come in the play.

Safaa Benson-Effiom’s script was so gentle yet thorough in the way the topics discussed were presented. She ensured that there was room for the audience to feel joy and smile, but also a time for sadness and to share in the pain that both Sylvia and Daniel were experiencing at the loss of their son.

Throughout the play we are exposed to who gets to experience grief, does one person have more grief than the other or do we all share the same. 

Till Death Do Us Part leaves the audience with the desire to hope for tomorrow as opposed to trying to grapple on to what has gone. It is important to make every moment count, and to remain present by eliminating hurry and pressure.

A must-see play. 

You can catch Til Death Do Us Part at Theatre 503 until 21 May.