Gripping epic Once Upon a Time in Sokoto comes to Nottingham
The world premiere tour of Once Upon a Time in Sokoto comes to Nottingham Playhouse at the end of the month.
Produced by Fuel with Touring Together, the piece is an epic, gripping family drama, from internationally-celebrated poet and playwright Inua Ellams.
It tells the epic story of a beautiful but unlikely friendship.
Differences in faith, culture and heritage are overcome in the face of new enemies, all set against the backdrop of events leading to the creation of Nigeria.
Directed by Roy Alexander Weise, the production stars Adeola Yemitan as Nafisa, Antonia Layiwola as Zinari, Bayo Gbadamosi as Hadiru and Will Atiomo as Yusef.
Once Upon a Time in Sokoto has received outstanding reviews in the first part of its tour.
The Guardian described it as ‘an exuberant history lesson on intra-African slavery’ and East Midlands Theatre called it and ‘eye-opening experience’ and ‘a lesser-known history of patriarchy, faith, war and slavery in Nigeria.’
Inua Ellams said: “At its core, Once Upon a Time in Sokoto is the story of an extremely unlikely friendship between an enslaved woman and her former mistress; a relationship forged as personal and political worlds tragically collide.
"It explores power, faith, heritage and culture.”
Roy Alexander Weise added: I'm thrilled to be working with Fuel again and to be staging and supporting the development of Inua’s extraordinary new award-winning play.
"I have wanted to work with him for a long time and long admired his work, the distinct humour, the epicness of his stories, his astute microscopic lens on nuggets of human experience.
“Set in the 1800s, it's an unexpected period drama, unveiling the hidden history of a complex pre-colonial African Islamic civilisation – the Sokoto Caliphate located in the northern region of modern-day Nigeria – which I didn’t know about before reading a draft of the play.
"It’s big and theatrical, witty and funny, brutal, bold, beautiful and plays with time in a stunning way.”
Stephanie Sirr, Playhouse chief executive said: “Inua Ellams is one of the most articulate and poetic voices writing for theatre.
"This piece is so moving and, we hope, really resonant to many of our communities.”
The play is at the Playhouse from October 29 to 31.
Visit nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/events/once-upon-a-time-in-sokoto/ for tickets.