Inua Ellams is a fluent and surprising storyteller who has recently had a big hit with the rousing Barber Shop Chronicles.
This ambitious new two-hander shares the richly lyrical tone and warm humour of much of his previous work.
At the same time it speaks shrewdly about power, dreams and fear, as well as the huge potential and vulnerability of the human body.
It’s a tale of feuding gods, drawn from both Greek and Yoruba culture. The half-god of the title is Demi, who is born in Nigeria — the son of Modupe, who is violated by Zeus. As a child he is barred from playing basketball because defeat makes him shed so many tears that his community is at risk of flooding.
Ultimately he achieves sporting stardom — yet if he’s half Michael Jordan, he’s also half Icarus, doomed to find that the thrill of flying is only temporary.
The bond between mother and son is vividly realised by Rakie Ayola, fiercely dignified as Modupe, and Kwami Odoom, who brings charm and supple athleticism to Demi.
Nancy Medina’s unfussy production takes time to exert its grip, but is nicely attuned to the intricate poetry of Ellams’s writing.
Until May 17 (020 7328 1000, kilntheatre.com)
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