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Iyalode of Eti

24 Sep TO 24 Sep Tickets More Info

Venue: Barber Studio
Duration: 140
Other: There will be a strict no latecomers policy. There is one 20 minute interval.
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More Information on Iyalode of Eti

Iyalode of Eti – A Reimagining of The Duchess of Malfi

Utopia Theatre presents the world premiere of Iyalode of Eti by Debo Oluwatuminu. Inspired by John Webster’s masterpiece The Duchess of Malfi, this is a unique reinvention of a classic. Set in pre-colonial Yoruba land, Iyalode of Eti transforms the Jacobean drama of the original into an enchanting, lyrical theatrical experience that is fresh, dynamic, and surprising. Rich language, bold characterisations, and thrilling storytelling carry the audience into an atmospheric world that is presented with startling intimacy and electric physicality. As visual as it is verbal, with the rhythms, flavours, colours, and myths of the Yoruba driving the intricate plotting, this is contemporary performance that blurs formal boundaries and transcends geographical borders. Ancient storytelling techniques mesh with modern physical theatre. Music, chant, dance and poetry are woven into an engrossing whole. Iyalode of Eti is classical theatre reborn, universal theatre for a global audience.

The recently widowed Iyalode longs to marry her lover Oguntade. But her scheming and controlling brothers forbid their union. When Iyalode secretly marries Oguntade, their love and lives are threatened. Iyalode of Eti is the story of how a woman asserts her strength and fights for her heart in a land ruled by men. An English play is retold as an African mystical fable riddled with rituals, hauntings, double-crossings, playful levity, and potent tragedy.

A unique West African transposition of one of the greatest dramas ever written, John Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi.

Utopia Theatre will run a symposium on African Performance to accompany the piece on Friday 23 Sept.

Road Closures Notice

Please note that the roads surrounding the Playhouse will be being re-surfaced this week ahead of the opening of the new Victoria Gate.

Eastgate will be closed from 10pm – 4.30am until Fri 23 Sept.

We hope by making you aware of these works well in advance, alternative short term travel routes can be planned.

Cast & Credits

Writer Debo Oluwatuminu / Director Moji Kareem / Designer Emma Williams / Costume Designer Adesola Obebe / Lighting Designer Chris Speight / Sound Designer Rob Hart / Musical Director Sola Akingbola / Musicians Sola Akingbola and Ayan De First / Choreographers Lola Adodo and Andile Sotiya / Dramaturg Moji Kareem / Production Manager/Associate Producer Timothy Trimingham Lee / Company Stage Manager Helen Fagelman / Audience Development Odun Obebe and Rheima Ibrahim-Robinson / Rehearsal Photography Peter Corkhill / Trailer direction and music Abbie Lucas and Rob Hart /

Utopia Theatre

Lola Adodo
as Adunni/Figure 1 (Spirit Being)

Sola Akingbola
as Akanbi

Kehinde Bankole
as Iyalode

Ayan De First
as Adekunle/Baba Ifa/Oriyomi

Patrick Diabuah
as Oguntade

Ayo-Dele Edwards
as Labake

Tunde Euba
as Oluawo

Tunji Falana
as Esubiyi

Golda John
as Osunkemi

Patrice Naiambana
as Oloye Olorogun

Travis Robinson
as Figure 2 (Spirit Being)/Egungun