Dreaming and Drowning

Malachi is settling into uni, but he keeps having a nightmare about sinking and being crushed by the ocean. Kwame Owusu's play "Dreaming and Drowning" is an intimate and visceral deep-dive into the boundless mind of a young Black queer man wrestling with anxiety, winning the Mustapha Matura Award and being shortlisted for the Alfred Fagon Award.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 07 December 2023
Publisher: Nick Hern Books

The supernatural is not just a possibility, but a reality, and the impossible is often the norm. Life itself teeters on the edge of the unreal, a constant reminder of the vast and mysterious world that surrounds us.

Malachi has been eagerly anticipating a fresh start at university for months. He has settled into his new environment, acquired a substantial collection of books to read, and even struck up a new relationship with Kojo, a charismatic musician with a dazzling smile. However, there is an underlying sense of unease that permeates his existence. He continues to experience the same nightmare, a haunting vision of sinking and being crushed by the immense weight of the ocean. The nightmare is becoming increasingly intense, and it feels as if it is slowly consuming him.

As the lines between nightmare and reality begin to blur, Malachi finds himself in a state of constant fear and uncertainty. A beast lurks in the water, its hunger relentless, and its eyes fixed on him. It is always just out of sight, but its presence is felt deeply, a constant reminder of the danger that lurks beneath the surface.

In this gripping play by Kwame Owusu, Dreaming and Drowning takes us on a profound journey into the boundless mind of a young Black queer man grappling with anxiety. The play won the Mustapha Matura Award, was shortlisted for the Alfred Fagon Award, and was one of the winning plays in the RSC's 37 Plays competition. It was first performed at the Bush Theatre in London in November 2023, directed by the playwright himself, performed by Tienne Simon, and produced by WoLab.

Dreaming and Drowning is a raw and intimate exploration of the human psyche, delving into the depths of fear, vulnerability, and the search for meaning. Through the character of Malachi, Owusu offers a powerful portrayal of a young man who is struggling to navigate the complexities of his identity and the pressures of society. The play is filled with vivid imagery and powerful language, creating a sense of urgency and tension that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

One of the most striking aspects of Dreaming and Drowning is its exploration of the relationship between the natural world and the supernatural. The ocean, in particular, serves as a metaphor for the vast and unknowable forces that govern our lives. The beast that haunts Malachi is a manifestation of these forces, a symbol of the dangers that lurk beneath the surface and the uncertainty that surrounds us.

The play also delves into the themes of resilience and survival. Malachi must fight harder than ever to stay afloat as he battles with his nightmare and the forces that threaten to consume him. He is aided by his new friend, Kojo, who provides him with support and encouragement. However, Malachi's journey is not without its challenges, and he must confront his own fears and insecurities to overcome them.

Dreaming and Drowning is a powerful and thought-provoking play that offers a unique perspective on the human experience. It challenges our assumptions about what is possible and what is natural, and it reminds us of the fragility of our existence. Through its exploration of anxiety, identity, and the supernatural, the play offers a timely and relevant commentary on the world we live in today.

In conclusion, Kwame Owusu's play Dreaming and Drowning is a must-see for anyone who appreciates powerful and thought-provoking theatre. It is a raw and intimate exploration of the human psyche, delving into the depths of fear, vulnerability, and the search for meaning. Through its exploration of the natural world and the supernatural, the play offers a unique perspective on the human experience and a timely and relevant commentary on the world we live in today.

Dimension: 198 x 129 x 6 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839043048