The Pursuit of Joy
Written by Safaa Benson-Effiom
Played at Jermyn Street Theatre
[January 2024]
Ardel, Joan and Iona – three strangers on the hunt for something different – meet at arrivals before the 2349 mile journey to…nope, can’t say it…well, you know…ugh fine…TO FIND THEMSELVES.
To take an extended look on the bright side, to appreciate the little pockets of sunshine in the rain, and to chase their joy…whatever that is. Running head first into the new and unexpected, they discover that sometimes you need to go the distance to find what was there all along. If you only knew to look…
Co-created by Soho Six’s Safaa Benson-Effiom (Til Death Do Us Part, Theatre 503) and Brigitte Adela (Wakes, The Bunker), The Pursuit of Joy is about how sometimes you need to go through the deepest darkness to get to the light on the otherside.
All shows captioned using Difference Engine by The Talking Birds.
“An enjoyable and life-affirming story”
CAST
Ardel - Razak Osman
Iona - Antonia Layiwola
Joan - Tia Dunn
Photos by Jack Sain
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer - Safaa Benson-Effiom
Director - Brigitte Adela
Sound Designer - Emily Rose Simons
Lighting Designer - Catja Hamilton
Choreographer - Emily Robinson
Stage Manager - Summer Keeling
Co - Produced by Brigitte Adela, Safaa Benson-Effiom and Jermyn Street Theatre.
“Under the direction of Brigitte Adela, the play cleverly creates the feel of the different destinations we encounter on a minimalist stage using a few props and some distinctive sounds and lighting. Along with some simple and effective transitions, crucially these create a definite sense of travel which is core to the storytelling and the enjoyment of the overall piece... Executed skillfully”
“This new work from Safaa Benson-Effiom handles grief, fear, and anxiety, with clever use of multi-roling, voiceover, visual symbolism, and accessible storytelling.”
A sneak peak into the rehearsal room with a video made by The Rap Up