Webster Inspires Playhouse Bloodbath!

Jacobean drama had its own special thirst for violence and John Webster's The Duchess of Malfi was no exception.

However, when Utopia Theatre decided to 'reimagine' this Renaissance classic as Iyalode of Eti using the backdrop of pre-colonial Yoruba land in West Africa, I was suspicious. How wrong I was!

At first this bloody drama of love, betrayal and revenge, left me wondering what I had let myself in for. The colours were vibrant and the setting imaginative but initially, I struggled with the strong Nigerian accents; then I settled in and the play slowly and wonderfully revealed itself as my ear tuned in, drawing me in like a calm river.......full of crocodiles!

Conceived and directed by Moji Kareem, writer Debo Oluwatuminu's reinvention of Webster's play, first penned in the early 1600's, was vibrant and bloody with deep, rich language that even The Bard would have been proud of!

Recently widowed Iyalode longs to marry her lover Oguntade, but her scheming and controlling brothers forbid the union which they consider beneath her Royal blood. When Iyalode goes against their wishes, secretly marries Oguntade and produces three children, their love and lives are prematurely ended as part of a complex, multi layered plot!

At its heart Iyalode of Eti is the story of how a woman asserts her strength and fights for her heart in a land ruled by men, only to pay the ultimate price.

Nollywood actress, Kehinde Bankole as Iyalode, Oluwatuminu's main female protagonist, is wonderfully strong as the Royal widow who marries beneath her station, incurring the wrath of her two scheming brothers, Oluawo and Oloye Olorogun, played by Tunde Euba and Patrice Naiambana.

Naiambana was ruthless but wildly funny in his devious presentation, using colourful language, verbal and body, a man born to high office with those most useful of accoutrements, limited brains but an abundance of ruthlessness! Had he been within a hair's breadth of Robert Mugabe, Africa's most famous dictator may well have enjoyed his company!

"A man who lives next to the river should not have to wash his hands in spittle" proclaims Tunji Falana as scheming social climber, Esubiyi, the servant and paid assassin prepared to mortgage his soul to the highest bidder.

This English play is retold as an African mystical fable riddled with rituals, hauntings, double crossings, playful levity and potent tragedy. It was colourful, fresh, lyrical, beautifully lit, staged and costumed.

Director Moji Kareem said:
"Rich language, bold characterisations and thrilling storytelling will 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 Yoruba driving the intricate plotting, this is contemporary performance that blurs formal boundaries and transcends geographical borders." I agree!

My only regret? That it does not have a longer run at the Playhouse's larger venue. It deserved it.


TOURING TO
Sheffield Crucible, Sept 26 - 28, 7.45pm
Cast Doncaster, Sept 29-30, 7.45pm