The effervescent Seed (Nandi Bhebhe) opens the play by addressing the audience, reassuring them that there will be no surprises, and framing the story as Sycamore's journey through adoption. A fracture has occurred within Sycamore, and Seed, Sapling, and Bark must embark on a therapeutic journey to restore balance.
Selina Thompson tackles the complex topic of Black child adoption with a high-concept narrative that delves into its emotional layers. She creates a rich, fantastical setting for this exploration, but the dialogue often becomes too expository, bogging down the world-building with explanations while lacking consistency in its logic.
Under Jennifer Tang’s direction, the play's heightened reality shines, drawing on the humour embedded in the script. However, the emotional depth occasionally feels rushed, with character developments happening too abruptly, preventing the story from fully resonating on a deeper level.
Tingying Dong’s sound design and Reisz Amos’s composition are standout elements, breathing life into the play’s spellbinding moments. The music, with its heart-aching harmonies and poignant lyrics, elevates the emotional peaks, enhancing the emotional climaxes.
Twine is bold and ambitious in presenting an original story that brings attention to a deeply layered topic. Yet, despite its imaginative setting and strong thematic intentions, it often skims the surface of its emotional potential and impact, leaving room for deeper exploration.
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