Benedict Lombe Refuses to Change Shifters for U.S. Theaters

Benedict Lombe, the Congolese-British playwright, is bringing her Olivier Award-nominated play Shifters to New York's Cherry Lane Theater for its U.S. debut. Lombe refused requests from American theaters to change the story from Black British to African American, insisting on preserving its Black British specificity. The play, which premiered in London's West End in 2024, follows Dre and Des in a love story that blends naturalistic dialogue, audience address, and poetry. Lombe's writing process begins with a feeling, often inspired by music—the first kiss scene was written to John Hiatt's 'Have a Little Faith in Me.' The production stars Heather Agyepong and Daniel Ezra, with direction by Lynette Linton. Lombe emphasizes that the play's universal themes are rooted in its specific cultural identity, a rarity in American theater.