Description
By NoViolet Bulawayo, in a new adaptation by Mufaro Makubika
Directed by Monique Touko
Paradise. Home of 10-year-old Darling and her friends: four children on the edge of innocence. A playground overflowing with mischief and games where they imagine countries a luxurious life away from theirs in Mugabe’s Zimbabwe.
But when Darling moves to Michigan, the western world she encounters as a teenager is far from the American utopia of her dreams…
Based on the novel by NoViolet Bulawayo, the first Black African woman and first Zimbabwean to be Booker Prize-shortlisted, this defiant coming-of-age story is full of exuberance, humour and humanity.
★★★★★ “Humorous and horrifying in equal measure, the show was a thoroughly engaging experience from start to finish.” LondonTheatre1
★★★★ “Director Monique Touko keeps the tone lively with this tough story of Mugabe’s Zimbabwe in which the actors switch race, age and gender with ease.” The Guardian
★★★★ “a powerful theatrical experience.” Salterton Arts Review
★★★★ “The range of acting by the brilliant cast took me through such a range of emotions that this play will certainly be one I won’t forget in a hurry!” Afridiziak
★★★★ “a wonderful look at the idea of belonging and is equally as heart-breaking as it is uplifting.” All That Dazzles
★★★★ “a powerful exploration of the migrant tale through the lens of a child. It’s a note-worthy coming of age story that touches on politics, racism and mental health in a sincere and authentic way.” The Rendition
“…often heart-breaking, but also pulsing with colour and energy” The Times on the novel We Need New Names
Duration: 2 hours including 20 minute interval.
Cast
Munashe Chirisa
Anashe Danai
Princess Khumalo
Tatenda Madamombe
Lukwesa Mwamba
Kalungi Ssebandeke
Creatives
Based on the book by NoViolet Bulawayo
Adapted for the stage by Mufaro Makubika
Director: Monique Touko
Set and Costume Design: Ingrid Hu
Lighting Design: Adam King
Original Compositions: Tendai Humphrey Sitima
Sound Design: Edward Lewis
Choreographer: Ricardo da Silva
Assistant Director: Jordi M. Carter
Dramaturgy: Nic Wass and Anna Himali Howard
Casting: Lucy Jenkins and Sooki McShane CDG
Jenkins McShane Casting
Production
Stage Manager: Alyssa Watts
Production Manager:Alison Willcox
Co-Producers Fifth Word and New Perspectives in association with Brixton House
On the stage
Inside the rehearsal room…
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