Sian Carter’s debut play bridges the gap between intergenerational trauma and mental illness in a drama filled with understanding and acceptance.
‘Running with Lions’ is a drama of love, loss and hope. It sheds light on a family dealing with grief, faith and new beginnings. We are introduced to Gloria (Tshabalala), fresh out of the hospital, raring to see her daughter, Imani (Barker), who has just graduated high school. Imani’s grandparents soon enter the picture, equal parts earnest and exuberant. As the family bickers and banters, preaching hope and losing faith, we are confronted with the apparent loss in the family that they are attempting to sweep under the rug.
“Where do you put your grief?”, wails Maxwell (Johnson), grandfather and pastor, who never picks sides but guides us through sermons to deal with his heartache. Johnson’s performance is earnest; his larger-than-life character attempts to unite his family with his faith in God. The cast are vivacious and effortless in subjecting the audience to the inevitability of generational trauma: the family’s mistakes repeating from grandma, mother and daughter. The portrayal of a family fighting for peace and understanding amongst themselves – whilst confronting secrets – is stiflingly familiar in extended family settings, but the record player provides relief as scene transitions play to contemporary jazz and soul.
Director Michael Buffong uses the expanse of the stage to create an atmosphere for the audience to feel at home – to be comfortable to watch the reaction of characters as they deal with heartache and pain. At times the religious aspects seem drawn-out but this is essential in illuminating the depths of generational trauma, mental illness and death. Running with Lions is a brave insight into the liberation of fear through communication.
Name of Production | Running with Lions
Writer | Sian Carter
Director | Michael Buffong
Cast | Ruby Barker, Wil Johnson, Nickcolia King-N’da, Suzette Llewellyn, Velile Tshabalala
Set & Costume Design | Soutra Gilmour
Lighting | Aideen Malone
Sound | Tony Gayle
Movement | Angela Gasparetto
Producer/Production Company | Talawa Theatre & Lyric Hammersmith Theatre
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