FLEX at Crow’s Theatre: A Must-See High-Energy Play About Ambition, Identity & Teamwork
I will admit, I’m not a sports fan. When people talk about this game, or that, I tend to zone out. I do love the energy of watching sports live, but that’s as far as I will go generally to engage with any sport. When I got the invite to see Flex at Crows theatre, I was sceptical. Would I resonate with this production? Would I understand the perspectives and storylines? The answer is a resounding YES. If you’ve ever been passionate about anything, you will resonate with this play. This powerful, high-energy production captures the spirit of ambition, identity, and resilience. Running until May 18, 2025, this Canadian premiere is a co-production between Crow’s Theatre and Obsidian Theatre Company, directed by Mumbi Tindyebwa Out, and features a powerhouse cast: Jewell Bowry as April Jenkins, Jasmine Case as Sidney Brown, Asha James as Donna Cunningham, Trinity Lloyd as Cherise Howard, Shauna Thompson – Starra Jones, and Sophia Walker as Coach Francine Pace.
“It’s 1997 and the WNBA is changing the game. Every player on Plainnole’s Lady Train High School basketball team dreams of going pro. But first, they must navigate the pressures of being young, Black, and female in rural Arkansas, where a mistake on the court can become a foul in real life.
With the swagger, determination, and adrenaline of a four-quarter game, FLEX celebrates the fierce strength and athleticism of young women and what it means to be going for your shot at greatness.”
Crow’s Theatre has delivered hit, after hit when it comes to storytelling, set design, lighting design, and sound design, with this play being no exception. The audience walked into a beautiful wood half-court, with all of the scenes being dressed very thoughtfully with gym benches and mats.
The storytelling in this play is outstanding Playwright Candrice Jones, winner of the National Arts Club’s Kesselring Prize, delivers a script that balances the intensity of the game with the personal struggles of the characters. Mumbi Tindyebwa Out’s direction is also very evident and strong, but it’s this cast that really brings this story to life. Their performing was so authentic, I genuinely forgot I was watching actors portraying a team. They also played their age range of final year of high school incredibly well.
The thing I appreciated most about this play was that even though I know NOTHING about what it’s like to be on a basketball team, I could still relate to their passion and determination. Religion and spirituality is a constant thread throughout the play, and I felt like basketball and the court was so important to these girls that they in themselves became a place and space of spirituality. For me, that’s the stage. When I perform, it feels like I’m being elevated so high that I could almost touch the heavens themselves, and I felt like these characters were going through the same feelings.
This play also deals with some very intense themes and ideas, asking some very deep questions. How far are you willing to go to make your dreams come true? How important is the team when you have to worry about yourself first? This play talks about toxic family dynamics, being a young person stepping into the world on their own, and more importantly, how girls are put into little boxes, conveniently built for them by other people. It talks about queerness in an honest and subtle way (especially with the play taking place in 1997), and about everyday concepts like letting go of the past.
Flex is more than just a sports drama; it’s a celebration of young women’s strength and determination. Whether you’re a basketball fan or a theatre enthusiast, this production offers a compelling and emotionally resonant experience.
Performances are held at the Guloien Theatre, located at 345 Carlaw Avenue in Toronto. Tickets range from $65 to $100, with special Pay-What-You-Can performances available on select dates.
Tickets can be purchased here
[Review by Shan Fernando]