(From back to front) Tymetrias L. Bolden (Funmi), Jasmine Proctor (Shan), Ciara Hargrove (Elle), and Nykila Norman (Rey) in “Sleepova” at Olney Theatre Center. Photo by Teresa Castracane Photography.
Playwright Matilda Feyiṣayọ Ibini explains that with this play about four young Black British women, she at last felt the “freedom” to write in a style and language that represents the way teenagers actually speak. What’s more, she sincerely sought to emulate the dialect of a real community. Indeed, Feyiṣayọ Ibini’s “Sleepova” having its US premiere at the Olney Theatre Center relies on a style of language that sharply sets it apart from many such coming-of-age dramas. This play truly does occupy a unique space, one in which the palpability and the realness of relationships take center stage, largely by virtue of deeply authentic dialogue.
You can’t help but have a good time…There is a lot to like about ‘Sleepova.’
The story centers on four friends about to move on to college. Each grapples with her own obstacle potentially blocking the path to that critical next life step. Shan, for example, suffers from sickle cell disease. This inevitably limits what she can do, most painfully perhaps, hindering her ability to finish school. Meanwhile, Elle lives an emphatically strict and pious life, her parents directing her every move as though she were more devout parishioner than daughter. Rey identifies as queer in a space where that still seems something of an anomaly. And Funmi’s relationship with her Nigerian dad ultimately becomes a central focus of the play. Despite and through the struggles and the hardships, there is always friendship. This play is as much a celebration of the interconnectedness of these characters’ spirits as it is about how they sometimes must painfully segue from one life phase to the next.
Olney’s production puts the spotlight on the intimacy associated with the friends’ interactions. It’s all in the details. From the awkwardness of still having certain posters on the wall to the devastating power a single text can have in a teenage life to how the sheer weight of parental expectation looks and feels, the play expertly deploys these details. Of course, there’s also a great deal of fun to be had. We are talking about teenagers after all. Prom and all of the music, lights, and dancing is certainly memorable. Looking over their shoulders as they watch a horror movie is quite comical, and, of course, listening in on the who-loves-whom and who-cheated-on-whom gossip proves a guilty pleasure. You can’t help but have a good time right along with Shan, Rey, Elle and Funmi.
The actors vibrantly come to inhabit these characters and their respective worlds. As Shan, Jasmine Proctor deftly displays a vulnerability that needs the strength of her friends and yet sometimes stubbornly refuses to accept this. Nykila Norman’s steely, somewhat sagacious Rey proves a poignant and memorable portrayal. While Ciara Hargrove’s performance as the on occasion “odd-woman-out,” Elle, tugs at the heartstrings. As Funmi, Tymetrias L. Bolden has a larger-than-life presence that knows precisely when to rein itself in. The four convincingly demonstrate a bond that carries the play start to finish. It does almost feel as if this ensemble cast has always been friends.
Under Paige Hernandez’s direction, there’s a fluidity that further underlines all of the lights, teenage décor, music and quirky props, bringing everything together under the umbrella of this phenomenon known as a “sleepova.” Admittedly, there are a few clunkier moments that could be served by a deeper dive into script trimming. Hernandez does her best to soldier through some of the overdrawn moments and keep the focus on the emotional toll that teenage-hood takes.
Set design is everything here. Designer Shartoya R. Jn. Baptiste seemingly channels her 16-year-old self. It definitely looks like she just had a lot of fun with this one. We are in a young girl’s bedroom, we are at prom, and we are immersed in the heart of these characters’ lives. Pulsing right along with the impressive visual display of set and scene, John D. Alexander’s lighting design and Cresent R. Haynes’ sound design amplify the vibe and bring a ton of added energy. There is a lot to like about “Sleepova.” It certainly takes you on a journey and, at times, the trajectory of this journey might just surprise you.
Running Time: Approximately two hours with one 15-minute intermission.
Advisory: If this were a film, it would be rated PG-13 for strong language and crude sexual references.
“Sleepova” runs through April 27, 2025 at the Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab, Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney Sandy Spring Road, Olney, MD 20832. For more information and to purchase tickets, call the Box Office at 301.924.3400, Wednesday – Sunday: 12:00 – 6:00 pm or go online.
