Moving drama shows we’re all in transit

In Transit by Wanjiku Kiarie Sanderson is a moving tribute to the late actor Martyn Sanderson. However, this powerful work of theatre is also much more.

The performance begins with seven dancers accompanied by the commanding vocals of Milly Grant-Koria. The movements are deliberate and exquisite and blend Pasifika and African influences to tell of a young man in search of himself.

However, In Transit differs from traditional coming-of-age stories. The narrative, largely circular, refuses to be wedged into a cliched migrant story. Instead, under the direction of Justine Simei-Barton (assisted by choreographers Alfdaniels Mabingo and Charlene Tedrow, and music director Poulima Salima), it offers a layered examination of the challenges of living in Aotearoa.

Ahmed (Fathe Tesfamariam) is the lead in this 90-minute production, a young drama school graduate. He hasn’t had much luck with work and turns to writing. Encouraged by Mzee Fikira (Stuart Devenie) he sets out collecting stories from different members of the community. These tell of transit, sacrifice, change, displacement and dislocation but equally, stories that reflect the experiences of African youth, both their frustrations and eagerness to create a place for themselves in New Zealand society today.

The playwright appears as Sababu, a woman who came to New Zealand as a refugee, embodying her character with a compelling vulnerability.

The play is slightly long, especially as there is no interval, and some of the drama needs to be accelerated. Nevertheless, the cast, musicians and dancers are all excellent. This is a call to recognise that, at some level, we are all in transit.