What’s better than peeking into the brain of a Black teen girl from East London, joining her discovery about herself, growing up, becoming a woman, and her life? How about four rambunctious teens, freely associating, talking among themselves, and figuring out their place in a changing society and their own strengths, vulnerabilities, and power? That’s what’s going on in the U.S. premiere of Sleepova by Matilda Feyiṣayọ Ibini at Olney Theatre Center.
The opening scene is propped full of pillows and beanbag chairs with the girls in their PJs chatting away. With full-throttle prepubescent energy, they are tickled with excitement about being together for their first sleepova! As they settle down, they consider their lives, how they’re doing in school, anticipating and getting ready for prom, etc. Interestingly, a topic that matched or even inched out their interest in boys was, of all things, parents! Relating to their mums and dads, family, and loved ones takes center stage as the topics and issues transition and evolve across the scenes.
Communication is key, and their laptops and cell phones are ubiquitous. Deciding what movie to watch becomes a major event, shedding light on each of their unique inclinations, whether to huddle together in horror and suspense or snuggle with a familiar soothing rom-com. Every topic that percolates up in their boisterous out-loud stream of consciousness sheds light on the universality of experience.
All the actresses embody their characters with zeal and wonderment, whether they’re dealing with restrictive parents or chronic illness. Between popcorn and sugar snacks, the four best buds forever say what’s on their minds, share their deepest fears, and feel their way step-by-step into new phases of their lives. Just like life, there’s no sudden transformation. Instead, with subtle nuances, the girls take on traits of young women right in front of our eyes as they explore their own understanding of womanhood.
The dialog sparkles and resonates with recognition. It feels like we’re all part of the sleepova, remembering our first times when… The portrayals by Jasmine Proctor, Ciara Hargrove, Nykila Norman, and Tymetrias L. Bolden are touching and real. Their characters are descendants from Nigeria, Jamaica, Grenada, and England with rich dialects and cultural experiences, and their sisterhood bond is unshakable.
The characters bounce around the stage with movements that range from fun-filled synchronized choreography to quiet somber reflections. Whirlwind director Paige Hernandez brings a frothy exuberance to the precious gal-pal salutations and impromptu jam sessions (slamming sound by Crescent R. Haynes) and quiet maturity when they comfort each other in distress — this is the show Hernandez was meant to direct. Colorful set design by Shartoya R. Jn. Baptiste includes large crate boxes for storage and sturdy seating, or pushed together to lounge on or even serve as a hospital bed when necessary. The set’s sparkly transformation to Prom Night must be seen to be believed, along with glam costumes by Danielle Preston — talk about sizzle! Tying it all together are chic projections by Zavier Augustus Lee Taylor that add flair to the scenes, depict different bedrooms as the girls rotate among their houses, and even dates along the back wall for the passage of time over the years.
Hats off to Olney’s artistic director, Jason Loewith, who found the sold-out play while on a London trip and produced this American debut. From the excitement I saw on opening night, the show is already making a difference. There was absolute joy in the air being able to share a rich global experience when so much around us seems to be retracting into insular isolation. It is truly time for a massive sleepova.
Running Time: Approximately two hours and 15 minutes with one 15-minute intermission.
Sleepova plays through April 27, 2025, in the Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab at Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, MD. Tickets ($31–$95) can be purchased online or by calling 301-924-3400. Discounts are available for groups, seniors, teachers, active military, first responders, and students (for details, click here).
Age Guidance: If this were a film, it would be rated PG-13 for strong language and crude sexual references.
COVID Safety: Masks are encouraged but not required.
Sleepova
By Matilda Feyiṣayọ Ibini
CAST
Jasmine Proctor as Shan
Ciara Hargrove as Elle
Nykila Norman as Rey
Tymetrias L. Bolden as Funmi
PRODUCTION DESIGN
Director: Paige Hernandez
Scenic Designer: shartoya R. Jn. Baptiste
Costume Designer: Danielle Preston
Lighting Designer: John Alexander
Sound Designer: Cresent R. Haynes
Projections Designer: Zavier Augustus Lee Taylor
Production Stage Manager: Kelsey N. Jenkins
Assistant Stage Manager: Ebony Gennes
SEE ALSO:
Olney Theatre Center to present U.S. premiere of ‘Sleepova’ (news story, February 24, 2025)
