Kufre N’ Quay: The Story Continues

When I saw the first play in Mfoniso Udofia‘s 9 play family cycle, presented by The Huntington Theatre, I was drawn into her work. The Ufot Family Cycle is Udofia’s story, the presentation of life (and more) crafted into a series of nine plays. The plays have been performed in various venues around Boston and have modes that highlight each of the pivotal parts of the life story. While they are mostly plays, there has been a podcast “episode” as well. Each play stands alone, so you don’t have to worry if you have not seen every part of the cycle. I was only able to catch a few in person. Kufre N’ Quay, presented by Boston Arts Academy and Wheelock Family Theatre is currently playing at the Boston Arts Academy and runs through Saturday, July 26th.

While the cast of Kufre N’ Quay consists primarily of children, presented by Boston Arts Academy and Wheelock Family Theatre, it is not particularly a children’s play, although I encourage bringing your whole family to the show. As an adult watching, I felt that the first act was a little slow in terms of the story line, but perhaps for the younger audience that time helps connect them to the story. The second act, on the other hand, was chock full of story line, teachable moments and deep meaningful messages that Black, white, Brown, African-American, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islanders and any other demographic you self-identify with should observe and understand.

The setting is an after school program in NYC, but it takes you far beyond that urban teen setting. The acting was very good, the use of video on horizontal panels above the stage, was well done and added a dimension that goes beyond just static sets.

I’m writing these plays for myself, for my immediate family, for my extended family, for the Ibibio community,

I’m writing us — so we can see us. I believe my work incites community action. When one cares about a character so much they are crying for them, they usually cannot meet a similar person in life and instantaneously judge them. A dramatic telling of an immigrant story, when done well, can cause an audience to change irrevocably in the moment. These audience members will then leave the building and enter their own communities with newfound empathy.

Mfonisa Udofia 

Kufre N’ Quay has 5 remaining performances starting Tuesday, July 22nd and ending Saturday July 26th. There are so many talented children/teens in this production, which is one that opens your eyes to deeper levels of racism and understanding blackness and African American identity. For that alone, it is worth bringing your friends, family, young and old to see the show.

Tuesday, July 22 at 7PM
Wednesday, July 23 at 7PM
Thursday, July 24 at 7PM
Friday, July 25 at 7PM
Saturday, July 26 at 7PM

Tickets are available through Boston Arts Academy and begin at $30 plus fees for most seats.