Oroonoko

[admin]

Theatre for a New Audience

Presents

OROONOKO
http://www.nigerialinks.com/images/oyiza/OROONOKO4.jpg


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

The highly acclaimed ‘Oroonoko’ opened in New York City on February 2nd 2008.
February 2- March 9, 2008
The Duke on 42nd Street, 229 West 42nd Street, New York
For more information: http://www.tfana.com/ (http://www.tfana.com/)


_________________________



DISCOUNT CODE: ORAR


$45.00 tickets (reg price $75.00)



Three ways to buy tickets


Phone: 646 223 3010


On Line: www.DukeOn42.org (http://walkercomm.pmailus.com/pmailweb/ct?d=AMoAAQAACwYAAaQ0)


In person: Box Office 229 West 42<SUP>nd</SUP> St


_________________________



http://www.nigerialinks.com/images/oyiza/OROONOKO1.jpg

http://www.nigerialinks.com/images/oyiza/OROONOKO2.jpg
http://www.nigerialinks.com/images/oyiza/OROONOKO3.jpg
http://www.nigerialinks.com/images/oyiza/OROONOKO4.jpg


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

NVS in partnership with Africa-Related and Theatre For A New Audience' has six pairs of tickets to give away.

If you're interested in attending the show, please indicate your intention on the thread - Condition is that you provide us a review.

Dates for the rest of the show are

February
18, 19 (8 PM), 20 (2 & 8 PM), 21 (8 PM), 22 (8 PM), 23 (2 & 8 PM), 24(3 PM), 25, 26, 27 (2 & 8PM), 28 (8 PM), 29 (8 PM),

MARCH
1 (2 & 8 PM), 2 (3 PM), 3, 4(8 PM), 5 (2 & 8 PM), 6 (8 PM), 7(8 PM), 8(2 & 8 PM), 9(3 PM)

[IZONERE]

I would like to attend this show and I'm quite happy to write a review.

[Nijajazz]

I would like a free ticket for Oroonoko.

I agree to provide a review of the show:)

[purple]

I would like a pair of free tickets. I will write a review.

thanks

[Idi-ogi]

I will like apply for tickets for this event. Will review. Thanks

[Exponent]

shouldn't this be based on Ibo culture?

[Aisha]

Would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to attend. Thanks.

[Bode_Boluz]

Come to London... Please

[smilee]

Can I get a pair of tickets please and yes I would write a review too.

Thanks

[purple]

Review of Oroonoko

Everyone loves a good story line. Oroonko was a Yoruba prince who was tricked into getting drunk aboard a slave ship and spirited off into slavery. Aphra Behn’s Oroonoko was a beautiful production, well produced and directed. Power dynamics (the enslaved person and the oppressor), role reversal (from prince and warrior to being enslaved), survival instincts and the negotiating and renegotiating of space, time and resources were cleverly woven through the script.

This performance had all the necessary ingredients: friendship, treachery, loyalty, love, passions, hate, sabotage, violence, pain, death and grief. The lead Albert Jones electrified the audience with his performance. From start to finish, the drama was riveting and had the audience mesmerized. I could hear emotional sounds coming from viewers. The costumes, the drumming, the dance and the props were fitting. I was fascinated with their rendition of the Yoruba chants ‘ kolomo kilo fomo re, o ni o ro’

Even though cast members who acted the part of the enslaved persons worked hard to project a generalized West African type accent, this aspect needs improvement. Actors take pains to acquire the accents of the parts they play i.e. Australian, English, German, French etc through voice lessons or accent reduction classes. My preference is for the actors to acquire Yoruba accents to fit the part they played, where this proves impossible, perhaps indigenous Yoruba speakers can be found to act the part.

Overall, a great show, well worth the time invested. Thank you NVS for providing me with the tickets.