Shifters Starring Heather Agyepong Opens at New York’s Cherry Lane Theatre
The acclaimed British play Shifters, written by Benedict Lombe and directed by BAFTA nominee Lynette Linton, will make its North American premiere at the Cherry Lane Theatre in New York this summer. The production, which follows a successful run at London’s Bush Theatre and the West End’s Duke of York’s Theatre, is scheduled to begin previews on July 6, with an official opening night set for July 15. Performances will run through August 30.
The production features Olivier Award-nominated actress Heather Agyepong reprising her role as Des, a character she originated in the London run. She is joined by Daniel Ezra, known for his work in the series All American, who takes on the role of Dre.
A Story of Memory and Connection
Shifters is a two-hander that explores the relationship between Des and Dre, two old friends whose lives remain deeply intertwined despite a period of separation. The narrative follows the pair as they reunite for the wake of Dre’s grandmother, a meeting that forces them to navigate new secrets and old scars.
The play is noted for its “freeform” and “fluid” structure, jumping between past and present to mirror the way memory functions. According to playwright Benedict Lombe, the work was born from a desire to center Black British love on stage and to explore the complexities, joys, and flaws of its characters. Lombe has described the play as a universal love story between a British Congolese woman and a British Nigerian man that aims to shift the theatrical canon.
The Creative Team and Production History
Director Lynette Linton has helmed the project through its various iterations, from the 2024 Bush Theatre premiere to the West End transfer and now the North American debut. Linton’s direction has been credited with balancing the play’s lyrical, poetic dialogue with grounded emotional honesty.
Heather Agyepong: Beyond the Stage
For Heather Agyepong, the role of Des is the latest in a career that spans theatre, photography, and film. Agyepong, a British-Ghanaian artist, began her acting path through the Talawa Theatre Company and has since balanced a multi-disciplinary career.
Her approach to performance is often informed by her background in visual arts, where she frequently explores themes of mental health, the African diaspora, and the concept of the “archive.” Agyepong has previously noted that her work—whether in photography or acting—is deeply rooted in exploring the self and the psychological underpinnings of memory. Beyond Shifters, Agyepong is also set to appear in the upcoming Netflix project Joy, which depicts the story of the first baby born via in vitro fertilization.
Quick Facts: Shifters North American Premiere
| Detail | Information |
| :— | :— |
| Venue | Cherry Lane Theatre, New York |
| Previews Begin | July 6 |
| Opening Night | July 15 |
| Closing Date | August 30 |
| Playwright | Benedict Lombe |
| Director | Lynette Linton |
| Lead Cast | Heather Agyepong (Des), Daniel Ezra (Dre) |
The production serves as a notable example of the transatlantic exchange of contemporary British playwriting. As the show makes its way to the West Village, audiences are invited to witness a story that, as director Lynette Linton noted, seeks to celebrate Black British love and take up space on the international stage.
Find more reporting in our Entertainment section.
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