REVIEW: LOVE STEPS at Omnibus Theatre 3 – 20 April 2024

‘weighty rhyme contrasted with beautifully choreographed movement sequences’ ★★★

On entering the black box theatre space we are met with romantic lighting and smooth RnB melodies while the main character, Anna, played by Sharon Rose, is moving gently with poise and grace until the audience is seated and the play begins. These first moments raise our expectations and fill us with anticipation.

This story attempts to examine the struggle of a successful, black, female, writer, to repeat her success in her personal life through a succession of monologues. Using a sprinkle of weighty rhyme contrasted with beautifully choreographed movement sequences, the pressure, from her family, friends and her own internal compulsion to become the perfect successful women in life and love is gently probed.

The long monologues left us wanting to dig deeper into the internal and emotional turmoil of Anna as she dived heart first into a relationship without restraint. Her love interest played by, Reece Richards, used expressive dance sequences executed with skill and deeply felt emotion to portray the pain he felt when the relationship encountered problems. Reece Richards is a talented actor and dancer drawing the audience into the intimacy and turmoil of the relationship. These dance sequences between the two actors, were romantic in tone.

Every successful woman will be able to relate to the struggle and the pressure that is expressed in this important story.

LOVE STEPS

WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY ANASTASIA OSEI-KUFFOUR CHOREOGRAPHY AND MOVEMENT DIRECTION BY LEROY ‘FX’ DIAS DOS SANTOS

3 – 20 APRIL 2024 OMNIBUS THEATRE

Box Office https://www.omnibus-clapham.org/love-steps/

Touring: 29 May – 1 June TALAWA, FAIRFIELD HALLS

Cast: Anna played by Sharon Rose

Future One and Various Characters played by Reece Richards

Reviewed by Paula