Powerful “Brothers Size” at the Rep Takes Stage with Strong Acting, Fluid Movement

The Brothers Size
by Tarell Alvin McCraney
Directed by Jacqueline Thompson
Choreographed by Kirven Douthit-Boyd
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
October 24, 2025

The Brothers Size is unique, while at once being both specific and universal. The newest show in the Rep’s Steve Woolf Studio Series, this haunting, lyrical play tells a story of mythic scope, that is also highly personal, gritty, and challenging. It’s also a wonder of acting, movement, and stagecraft. 

The play, which is part of a trio of works by playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney, follows two brothers living in Louisiana–the older, Ogun (Nic Few), and the younger Oshoosi (Christian Kitchens). Ogun, a mechanic who owns an auto shop, is focused on work and duty, while Oshoosi–who has recently been released from prison–is full of dreams and nebulous plans, which only increase Ogun’s concern for him. There’s also Elegba (Donald Jones Jr.), a friend of Oshoosi’s from prison whose presence further unsettles Ogun while tempting Oshoosi to more risky aspirations and actions. It’s a story of multiple issues on different levels–familial, interpersonal, cultural, and societal, and a growing sense of unsettling inevitability about what’s going to unfold. 

It’s a gritty, intense tale, taking a mythic structure combining elements from the West African Yoruba belief system with occasional Christian references and a general overarching spiritual tone, told in a form that combines elements of music and dance to heighten the overall “cosmic struggle” theme and atmosphere. Music and sound by composer Tre’von Griffith and smooth, flowing choreography by Kirven Douthit-Boyd combine expertly to help tell this story and emphasize the emotion and conflict. There’s also powerfully effective lighting by Jayson M. Lawshee and memorable costume design by Kristie C. Orsi that works to help define the characters and further the story and themes. The staging, in the round with no concrete set, is almost deceptively simple,  working to powerful effect as director Jacqueline Thompson’s pacing builds the tension and sense of motion in the story.

The cast is fantastic, led by a strong turn by Few as the devoted but strict Ogun, and Kitchens as the restless, more carefree Oshoosi. Few has a powerful stage presence and credible sense of love and exasperation with his brother. Kitchens brings a sense of youthful energy to Oshoosi that adds relatability to his recklessness. These two also present a believable, affecting brotherly relationship. Jones is also a strong presence as the enigmatic, ineffable Elegba, and all three players are excellent in movement and energy, exhibiting a fluid energy that propels the drama. 

There are a lot of weighty issues dealt with in this show, and some strong language and topics that aren’t for all ages. It’s an important story in terms of human struggle, as well as highly specific to the characters and their situation, and intensely personal. It also features a host of local talent on the creative team, which is great to see. The Brothers Size is a play that will make audiences think, as well as feel. It’s a profound experience of theatre.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is presenting The Brothers Size until November 16, 2025