The Shifters by Lynette Linton, is a play that serves as a remarkable exploration of black love, with all the complexities, trials, and triumphs that come with it. The play will particularly strike a chord for those who identify as “yearners” — individuals who crave meaningful emotional connections, especially in a world where love has increasingly become digitized, and genuine human connection feels more fleeting.
One of the most compelling elements of The Shifters is its dialogue. The play seamlessly shifts between the past and present, allowing the protagonist to revisit crucial moments and missed opportunities in their relationships. The characters reflect on emotions once withheld, examining the words left unspoken when they mattered the most. The communication between the protagonists in the present-day scenes is strikingly fluid—bordering on idealistic. Linton presents a rarely depicted relational dynamic on stage — one where open, honest, and healthy communication reigns supreme. It’s refreshing to witness characters who not only express their feelings with clarity but do so consistently, offering words of affirmation in ways that feel deeply aspirational.
What sets The Shifters apart is how it captured the layered experience of Blackness in a world that isn’t always kind or understanding. The play beautifully illuminates the many facets of Black love— from playful arguments over using each other’s pricey hair conditioners to vibing out to Koffi Olomide (where the entire audience joined in). These everyday moments resonated deeply with much of the audience, evoking the joys of Black love, a refreshing contrast to the frequent focus on its struggles and pain.
The play’s overarching theme of “what could have been” lingers throughout, as both protagonists lead vastly different lives yet remain inextricably connected by their enduring, if understated, love for one another. While their paths diverge, their bond endures, subtly suggesting that love can persist, even if unspoken or unrecognized for years. In reality, few of us experience relationships where emotional transparency is this constant, or where affirmations flow so freely.
That being said, The Shifters does not lose its power in its idealism. In fact, it enhances the emotional weight of the play, leaving the audience yearning for that type of connection. While it’s true that perhaps only a small percentage of the audience will fully relate to the type of relationship showcased, the rest will undoubtedly feel inspired by the potential of what love could be. One protagonist proclaims, “I want an easy love,” a sentiment the other initially rebuffs. Yet, as their story unfolds, they both come to realize that, in many ways, love can be easy—organic, intuitive, and deeply fulfilling.
In sum, The Shifters is a profound and deeply thought-provoking reflection on Black love—capturing its beauty, its challenges, and the immense joy and understanding that can arise when communication flows openly. Whether you’re with friends, family, on a first date, or celebrating your 506th, this is a performance that will resonate on different levels, offering something meaningful for everyone.
The Shifters currently showing at the Duke of Yorks theatre.
