Booked & Scene

Kufre N’ Quay marks the fifth play in Mfoniso Udofia’s Ufot Family Cycle and the first to focus primarily on a child’s perspective. This co-production between Boston Arts Academy and Wheelock Family Theatre directed by John ADEkoje introduces us to 12-year-old Kufre Ukpong Ekpeyong as he arrives in Harlem’s Little Senegal. There, he attempts to forge new friendships and navigate cultural contrasts between his Nigerian heritage and Black American identity. The story centers on the challenges, and joys, of being young, new, and in between.

Kiddos with Chops

Let’s start where this show begins and ends with the young performers. Levi Mngomezulu as Kufre delivers a performance well beyond his years. His accent work alone deserves its own standing ovation; it’s a difficult linguistic lift, and he carries it with clarity and consistency while staying emotionally grounded throughout. For a rising seventh grader to hold the stage for nearly the entire show is no small feat, and he does it with heart, humor, and presence.

Ngolela Kamanampata as Laquasha Price shines in her scenes with Levi, bringing spark and sass to their friendship. Her delivery nails the rhythm of a Harlem tween: confident, curious, and not afraid to challenge the unfamiliar. As a former theater kid, it was especially delightful to see classic drama games come to life onstage, and Kamanampata brought the playfulness those moments required.

The Grown-Ups Hold Their Ground

Jackie Davis, stepping into the role of Abasiama Ufot, brings a steady, wise presence that anchors the intergenerational tension at the heart of the story. Watching Abasiama’s journey over five plays now has been a gift to watch both in the hands of different actors and through the aging of the character herself. Davis fits seamlessly into the role.

Jalyse Ware as Miss Ey Yo Miss? A breakout. Her comedic timing was spot on, but what really impressed was the way she balanced authority with warmth. She’s the kind of youth worker every kid should get to meet: stern but fair, and quick with a comeback that teaches a lesson and gets a laugh.

Ramona Lisa Alexander also delivered a strong performance as Iniabasi, Kufre’s mother. Her protectiveness of her son felt fierce and layered, especially in a powerful Act Two moment. It’s been fun to track her character’s evolution since Her Portmanteau.

The Ensemble’s Extra Spark

Selah Thande and Zay Williams as Sparkle and Ty were scene-stealers in the best way. Their fast-paced banter and synchronized dance moves brought energy and levity whenever they hit the stage.

On the flip side of the coin, kudos to Ayannah Joseph, Ja’Mon Johnson, Ezra Schwarz-Bart, and Jedrian Latimore for tackling the bullying storyline with honesty and realism. Those scenes were tough to watch but so incredibly real. The dynamic of teasing, denial, and peer pressure was all too familiar and wonderfully well-executed.

Real Talk & Real Writing

Udofia continues to be unmatched in her ability to write dialogue that feels real. The conversations in Kufre n’ Quay are the kind you overhear on a school bus or between friends waiting for class to start. The second act confrontation between the adult characters was particularly impressive: honest, and packed with nuance. You could find yourself agreeing with every side depending on the moment. That’s not easy to write, and it’s even harder to direct, but the team pulled it off.

When the Tech Gets in the Way

Unfortunately, the sound design by Cliff Notez made it hard to stay in the world of the show. Background music regularly overpowered dialogue, and mic issues with the younger cast made it difficult to catch full lines, especially in emotional or transitional moments. It’s possible this was a one-night fluke, but it was a recurring distraction throughout.

Visually, the concept of using thin projection beams felt innovative on paper, but in practice, it didn’t land. The images projected by Justin Lahue were too often cut off or distorted due to the narrow beams that formed the screen. While Jenna McFarland Lord’s set as a whole had a solid foundation, these projection elements felt more in the way than supportive of the story.

Final Notes: A Strong Step Forward

Kufre n’ Quay is a solid and necessary addition to the Ufot Family Cycle. With its focus on younger characters, it opens new doors for storytelling and stretches the universe in exciting ways. It’s a thoughtful exploration of cultural duality, identity, and growing up: all while giving room for joy, humor, and growth.

As Boston continues to be a home for this cycle to unfold, I’m grateful for the opportunity to watch these stories build on one another. I can’t wait to see what comes next for the Ufot family and more importantly for this next generation of storytellers. Kufre N’ Quay runs through July 26.

📸: Annielly Camargo