Premiered by the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1999 where it was acclaimed, this is a true act of cultural reclamation. Biyi Bandele, a prolific Nigerian writer residing in England, was commissioned by the RSC to adapt Aphra Behn’s 1688 novella Oroonoko. With vibrant words, drumming and dance based on Yoruba culture, Bandele tells a tragic love story, a journey from kingship to slavery, rebellion and death.

Aphra Behn (b.1640-1689) was the first professional female author in Europe. Living for a time in Surinam in the Caribbean, Behn based her 1688 novella Oroonoko on tales told by the African slaves brought over by the Dutch. A descendent of a returned slave, Biyi Bandele plays have been presented at the RSC, Royal Court and Royal National Theatre. Juwon Ogungbe composed the score for the original RSC production. Kate Whoriskey has directed at LAByrinth Theatre Company, the Goodman, American Repertory Theatre, and the Intiman Theater.

Featuring: Che Ayende, David Barlow, Greg Derelian, Mar Gueye, Ira Hawkins, Jordan C. Haynes, Albert Jones, Ezra Knight, Graeme Malcolm, LeRoy McClain, Toi Perkins, Christen Simon & John Douglas Thompson

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