The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2021 - Issue 29

bitetheatre NSA (No Strings Attached) T he second offering, on 14 May, was NSA, where the script written by Charles Entsie and directed by Jade Lewis holds a synop- sis of ‘A car, a clandestine encounter. Two black men come to terms with their identities and life trajectories in this explosive drama.’ The adjective ‘explosive’ rings true as we are drawn in from the very first sound of the music playing on a radio in the background with the profound monologue that voic- es over. When it catches us by surprise of an addi- tional character present in the scene, we get to hear what location, situation and reason they are both in at that moment in time. As the conversation between ‘Man’ played by Don Gilet and ‘Boy’ played by Idris Debrand, intensifies, tangents and escalates to an experience that’s not obviously seen coming, we see these two men ex- plaining their lives about why and what, with both ex- periencing an altercation neither had bargained for. It is easy to feel emotionally connected to both as the clever writing has you on a rollercoaster of emotions that reflect life. No one is a straight line, and this short interaction between these two men highlights this vividly. My favourite character is the fox who “keeps staring at” Man, giving the altercation a comical edge without taking away from its seriousness of issues. My fa- vourite lines are the last two, as they tease the listen- er into wanting to hear more. I listened to this play twice because I feel that not only is this an enviable script, but the sound effects designed by Steve Bond and assistant Makashe Ogbon help with the engagement to the scene and make it so much more connecting and enjoyable. The whole inside car/outside car sounding is amaz- ing. To listen to NSA , click on the link and sign in to your BBC account. http://www.talawa.com/articles/talawa-stories-nsa Idris Debrand Charles Entsie Jade Lewis Don Gilet Images courtesy of Dujonna Gift-Simms