On Nov. 6, the Huntington Theatre celebrated the opening night of “Sojourners,” written by Nigerian-American playwright Mfoniso Udofia. However, this was more than just the opening of a single show: In partnership with more than 30 theater companies, arts organizations, universities, and non-profits, the Huntington is staging nine of Udofia’s plays throughout Greater Boston over the next two years. Collectively, these nine plays make up the Ufot Family Cycle, an epic story that chronicles the life of one Nigerian immigrant family across three generations as they navigate their lives in America. “Sojourners,” which serves as the origin story of the cycle, is a remarkable tale of perseverance in the face of adversity.
In the play’s first moments, we meet Abasiama, played by Abigail C. Onwunali, a pregnant Nigerian grad student attending university with her husband Ukpong, played by Nomè SiDone, in Houston, Texas in 1978. While the determined Abasiama hopes to eventually return home with her family and her American education, Ukpong has fallen prey to American culture, drinking, and Motown records. Working long hours at a convenience store to make ends meet, Abasiama meets Moxie, a young woman searching for a job and dripping with southern sass. The pair strike an interesting friendship, as Abasiama pushes Moxie to reach her full potential, and Moxie encourages Abasiama to stand up to her husband’s mistreatment.
As the protagonist of “Sojourners,” Onwunali commands the stage, personifying the joy, grief and doubt that define Abasiama’s experiences. Onwunali is the kind of actor you can’t help but watch, even when she’s not the center of attention. Her quiet determination finds its match in the hot-headedness of Moxie, played by the hilarious Asha Basha Duniani. Duniani is a firecracker onstage, making the most of every one of her lines. At first, Moxie seems like a bad influence on Abasiama — quick to pull out a pocket knife whenever she feels threatened — but the two end up forming an unlikely bond. Rounding out the four-person cast is Disciple, played by Joshua Olumide, a struggling writer who comes to Abasiama’s aid at a crucial moment. While Disciple presents himself as the good man Abasiama needs in her life, we come to see another side of him, as Udofia reminds us that there are no “good” or “bad” people in her story — just people.
“Sojourners” is a story not of finding a new home, but the desire to return to the home you already have. Throughout the story, Abasiama is clear — the final goal on her list is to return home with both her family and an education. The story is a fascinating peek into the real-life Nigerian immigration wave of the 1970s, as more and more immigrants looked to the U.S. to earn university degrees and advance their education.
Throughout “Sojourners,” Abasiama is often let down by the selfish desires of others. Despite her strong will, Abasiama is constantly objectified and dehumanized by her peers, seen as a prize to be won by the most desperate individual. Ukpong abandons her in the hospital, Moxie holds onto her in hopes of becoming a better person, and Disciple only falls in love with her out of loneliness. But in the face of these challenges, she continues to persevere.
The Huntington’s production of “Sojourners” is brilliantly executed, as director Dawn M. Simmons makes the intimate, four-person play feel expansive and emotionally resonant. Udofia’s script is poignant and well-written — while a few scenes from an overlong Act I could have been left out, Act II zips along with energy, humor and a touching narrative that makes you care deeply about Abasiama and future generations of her family.
Jason Ardizzone-West’s scenic design is innovative, balancing realism and abstraction. When first entering the theater, the set seems barren, closed off by layers of wires intertwined and bent to create a forest. As the show progresses, the layers peel back, allowing for different set pieces to slide fluidly on and off the stage. At times, the stage feels claustrophobic, such as when Abasiama sits in her small hospital room, but at other moments, it is wide open, giving the characters and the audience room to breathe — even in a late night gas station parking lot. The set builds on the story, drawing in the audience at every turn.
At the opening night performance, the play was preceded by a message from the office of Mayor Michelle Wu, who officially declared Nov. 6 “Mfoniso Udofia Day” in Boston. As the Boston theatre community embarks on an ambitious project that showcases their commitment to Udofia’s storytelling, audiences should pay attention to her work. This incredible collective effort is a reminder of the power of the arts community to keep telling stories and bringing people together in the face of hard times. At a time when we need stories like these more than ever before, “Sojourners” reminds us that there’s a place for everyone at the theater.
“Sojourners” runs through Dec. 1 at the Huntington Theatre. Tickets and information on free community pop-up performances are available online at Huntington's website.
