Booked & Scene

Mfoniso Udofia’s The Ceremony, the sixth installment in her epic Ufot family cycle, makes its world premiere at the Boston University Joan & Edgar Booth Theatre. Produced by CHUANG Stage in partnership with Boston Playwrights’ Theatre and the BU School of Theatre, and directed by Kevin R. Free. The play continues the saga of the Ufot family with all the drama, tension, and humor that have become hallmarks of the cycle. This chapter finds Ekong Ufot navigating his own path as he prepares to marry Lumanti Shrestha, but as always, the gravitational pull of family—its conflicts, comforts, and contradictions—anchors the story.

The Weight of Legacy
Kadahj Bennett as Ekong Ufot delivered a powerhouse performance, embodying the character’s frustrations, resilience, and search for identity. His scenes in the physical therapy office carried both humor and vulnerability, while his fiery confrontation with his father was one of the most moving moments of the production. Opposite him, Adrian Roberts as Nsikan Disciple Ufot was every bit the thorn in his family’s side, carrying on the legacy of the frustrating, layered character with nuance and bite. Mahima Saigal’s Lumanti Shrestha brought levity, wit, and relatability, especially in her dynamic with her mother and aunt—her comedic timing kept the piece buoyant and grounded.

Family Branches
Natalie Jacobs lit up the stage as Toyoima Ufot, her sharp delivery and emotional intensity hinting at even bigger things to come for the character. Regine Vital as Adiaha Ufot brought wisdom and warmth, grounding the sibling dynamic with a calming energy. Natalya Rathnam as Anjali “Auntie” Kapali was instantly believable, with laugh-out-loud moments thanks to her pitch-perfect “auntie-isms” that rang true for anyone with extended family.

Strength in the Script
Udofia’s writing remains the strongest element of the Ufot cycle. The dialogue feels real and lived-in, the conflicts cut deep, and the moments of levity land naturally. Across six plays, her ability to thread details, callbacks, and unresolved tensions into a sprawling, interconnected family tapestry is remarkable. On top of that, the design elements helped reinforce the story: costumes suited the characters, and Disciple’s room was detailed with props that told their own story. Even the lobby was transformed, a testament to the collaborative work of the producing partners.

When Staging Blocks the Story
Unfortunately, the staging was the production’s weak point. With general admission seating split into three sections, the direction favored only the middle section, leaving much of the audience straining to catch the action. An elevated platform, supported by two large metal beams, obscured actors for side sections, reducing entire scenes to floating heads or blocking them completely. At other times, actors spoke from a staircase fully behind a section of the audience, requiring awkward head-turning to follow along. To make matters worse, one of the TVs meant to display 90s sitcom clips remained blank for most of the show, cutting off another layer of the experience for a section of the audience. The issue wasn’t with the cast or script, but with staging that didn’t suit the space. I wish that I could reexperience this production from another vantage point but sadly my seat wasn’t the only one that experienced such issues. I have high hopes that as the run continues at least some of these kinks will be worked out. 

Arrive Early, Sit Center
The Ufot cycle continues to grow in depth and resonance, and being present for a world premiere is an undeniable thrill. If you already have tickets for this sold-out run, arrive early (at least 45 minutes) and aim for a middle section seat to get the full picture. While the staging kept me from fully seeing the story unfold, the power of Udofia’s writing and the strong performances made the night worthwhile. Credit is also due to CHUANG Stage for their Pay-As-You-Are ticketing model, which ensures accessibility for audiences regardless of ability to pay. The Ceremony is a vital continuation of a cycle that only gets richer as it goes. The Ceremony runs through October 5, 2025.

📸: Ken Yotsukura