Anthony Ofoegbu stars in Conundrum, the debut production from Crying in the Wilderness Productions as a Young Vic Associate Company.
This evocative new drama, written and directed by Paul Anthony Morris, dives headlong into a powerful exploration of one man’s trajectory of embracing then owning self-acceptance. Conundrum opens in January 2022, having been delayed due to the pandemic.
Anthony Ofoegbu plays Fidel, who prompted by old diary entries, conducts a personal life review to identify his greatest challenges. Possessing an unusually high IQ and initially critiquing society, Fidel becomes alarmed by the prospect that he too, is responsible for undermining his own wellbeing. Perplexed by this conundrum, Fidel embarks on a reflective journey seeking answers to some of life’s most relatable questions: Who am I and why am I here?
Conundrum, starring Anthony Ofoegbu, is at The Young Vic 14 January – 4 February 2022.
You’re starring in Conundrum at The Young Vic, what can you tell us about this play?
Fidel Robinson has had to take stock of his life and in doing so realises his need for an in-depth examination to counteract his own demise of self-worth, and now feels compelled to share this life-affirming discovery as an open life review. Looking in the mirror has never been so surreal.
What were your first impressions when you read Paul Anthony Morris’s script?
So this is where Conundrum really lived up to its name. I couldn’t see first-hand the in-depth avenues that Paul was exploring in his script. I knew there were many levels as instinct was pulsating with megaphonic energy in my head telling me there’s more, much more, and it rattled me, in a good inquisitive way, of course.
How do you think audiences might react to Paul’s writing?
Paul is naturally gifted and if you take the edict that you are what you write, then the assumption should be that when you are in conversation with someone like Paul Anthony Morris you’re in for a knowledgeable discovery.
This is a demanding role, what do you think will be the biggest challenge for you as an actor portraying Fidel?
Just trying to live and breathe this astoundingly complex and vivid character trying to untie his own Gordian knot.
And what do you enjoy most about playing Fidel?
His insatiable intellect, something that I wish I had. Also the huge extent of his humanity.
Conundrum was delayed because of the pandemic, how does it feel to finally be bringing it to the Young Vic stage?
The sudden delay or moreover, stop, was almost a death knell and we thought we had missed our chance, so to be reviving it again now is thrilling, and more so now because we have managed to retain our incredible team of creatives behind the scenes.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Conundrum?
Be prepared for what we all believe to be the unknown.
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