Down There: In the Mind of the Conscious

Interweaving stories of seven young black university students, struggling with their friendships and the modern relationship minefield, Down There puts an hilarious modern twist on a story about growth and identity. Set on a University Campus, the students are named after their limiting, but unfortunately very real black stereotypes. Introducing them all on stage with cardboard placards hanging around their necks and we dive straight into their characters before even hearing them speak. Their interactions with one another are hilarious throughout and have such an element of realism that makes it even more funny.

An hilariously realistic look at modern relationships while trying to break free from stereotypes and societal expectations of them

Brilliantly written by BantuScribe who also stars as ‘Angry Black Girl’ whose character is trying to figure out who she is while listening to her friends ‘THOT, played by Rhyanna Alexander-Davis, who does what she wants with no question, and ‘Funsize’, played by Lauren Williams, who can’t figure out what she wants in her not quite a relationship. As the women are trying to understand their next moves, the men too are trying to figure out their next move in their own dating games with the women.

‘Afrocentric’, Clint Mwaka and ‘MC’, played by Malik Dapaah try and figure out their feelings. ‘Sankara’, played by Russeni Fisher, a confident woke young guy who tries to educate them on how to treat women, opposed to ‘Hotep’, the unchanging road man, who is a massive misogynist but can’t see what all the fuss is about, played by Andre Clayton. Alexander-Davis’ rendition of ‘THOT’ is something that can’t be missed, giving her girls’ advice to be heartless with their partners, she still manages to come across as a loveable character with countless funny one-liners.

The actors’ chemistry along with the fantastic acting from the cast and great direction from Andrea Lungay, there were countless laughs from the audience. The small theatre worked well, enhancing the intimate conversations the characters were having with one another, you almost feel a part of all their journeys. The performances were seamless, and the comedy was something else! Each of the characters had their moments leaving the audience in stiches through their relatable experiences. As they deconstruct their thoughts on what it means to be a black man or women in society, with interesting comments from both sides of the story, which takes it beyond a comedy about sex and relationships.

The actors’ chemistry along with the fantastic acting from the cast and great direction from Andrea Lungay, there were countless laughs from the audience

Thoughtfully developed characters hilariously navigating their way through the sticky situations of young relationships. With a running time of just over an hour (felt like a lot less) it highlights the complexity of each of the characters, brought to the forefront through their testing relationships with one another. An hilariously realistic look at modern relationships while trying to break free from stereotypes and societal expectations of them. A well-earned addition to the Camden Fringe and a tribute to what can happen with great writing, acting and directing. A definite recommendation to watch when it is next on.