Sonny Nwachukwu presents his poetic production, littered with humour and dance, which examines the bond of two ethereal characters intwined across time and space.

Ada (Moleya) and Obi (Kiangangu) can’t seem to break from each other. They are caught in an endless cycle – ‘round and round and round’, as they describe it – where they take on forms where they are acquainted with one another: in different times they are siblings; in another, unrequited lovers; and even when their bond is ambiguous, they remain drawn to each other. These scenarios breed frustrations which are pointed at each other, causing strife and separation, until they find themselves in yet another time, restarting the frustrating cycle all over again.

Saturn Returns explores these ideas through the form of a choreopoem – a combination of poetry, dance, music, and song. Poetry is the main mode of communication in the production. Rudzani Moleya plays an impassioned Ada, delivering lines like ‘I can’t believe I chose you to be the one’ that cuts through the auditorium. Durassie Kiangangu’s Obi is resolute in his words: ‘I will break you before you break me’, expressing so much of their connection. The actors have great chemistry and are perfect conduits of this time-bending narrative.

Many things work in Saturn Returns’ favour. Joshua Harriette beautifully lights the stage with flickering, low-hanging warm lights, embodying the stars among a wash of teals, blues, and purples. Moleya and Kiangangu make great use of Ffion Campbell-Davies’ movement and sound direction, cradling one another with gentle touch, under a wash of soothing water and drum soundscapes. It is, however, difficult to decipher the text at times. The characters are buried deep in metaphors, and the audience are at times left to play a game of catch-up to grasp at meanings. When it works, though, it really works. We’re drawn to laughter when the familiar compliments on dress and afro hair are used. But these moments are sparse, leading to many of the emotional highs not being as impactful. Saturn Returns, then, emerges as a poetic story, witnessed as a passenger from a distance.

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