The Lion and the Jewel

by Wole Soyinka

Autumn 2005

“Chuck Mike’s exuberant production reverberates with music, dance and rhythm” – Metro

“Pulsing with vitality…Yoruba-based dancing and song… Mike’s vivaciously costumed production never lets up in energy.” – The Daily Telegraph

The Lion and the Jewel is considered to be Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka’s first masterpiece. Written at the age of 23, and first seen at the Royal Court in 1958, the play is a lively ribald comedy with dark undertones which combines Soyinka’s Yoruba folk traditions with a modern European style.

The first major revival of the play in the UK since 1990, The Lion and the Jewel was part of a festival of work under the umbrella title of Young Genius, a co-production of the Young Vic and Barbican BITE in autumn 2005. The play toured the UK and was also part of the 2005 Decibel Showcase.

Creative Team: Chuck Mike (Director), Koffi Koko (Choreographer), Juwon Ogungbe (Musical Director), Atlanta Duffy (Designer), Catriona Silver (Lighting Designer)

Cast: Ayanlere Alamu Alajede, Yaw Asumadu, Natasha Bain, Shola Benjamin, Mohamed Samuel (Adu) Dordoh, Louisa Eyo, Derek Ezenagu, Gogo Ombo Gogo, Chomba Njeru, Anthony Ofoegbu, Mercy Ojelade, Antoniette Tagoe, Omonor Imobhio, Chloe Okora, Toyin Oshinaike and Isioma Williams

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