Meet Agbeke, Omotola and Aramide, three generations of proud African women connecting with each other across two continents, across time and space. Together they share their struggles, their joys, tragedies and broken dreams in order to find healing in the present.
If I were like you, I’d have never found a man to marry me.
And that right there is a problem.
Written by Oladipo Agboluaje and conceived and directed by Mojisola Elufowoju, ‘Here’s What She Said to Me’ combines drama with music, poetry and movement to tell a moving story of daughters and mothers in the world of migrations and shifting identities, braving life with an undying hope, optimism and resilience.
“Extraordinary energy” British Theatre Guide
“A vibrant and engaging story” The Sheffield Telegraph
“Beautifully brought to life” What'sOnStage
“A masterclass in acting from three incredible storytellers” The Rotherham Advertiser
“Beautifully directed by Mojisola Elufowoju, music and movement become metabolised within the story” The Guardian
Running time: 90 minutes, no interval
Age guidance: 15 +
Photo by: George Eyo
Content warnings: this production contains adult themes, sexual references, implications of physical and sexual abuse, and references to childbirth. Full warnings are available.
Post-show discussion and Q&A with Origins Untold
A panel of local African-heritage women will reflect on the performance, sharing how the play resonates and contrasts with their own experiences as Black mothers and daughters, both with respect to their different cultural backgrounds and within the context of Folkestone. There will then be an opportunity to hear from the company about the production, and the complexities of telling untold stories, portraying mother-daughter relationships and giving voice to Black, British and African experiences. The audience is invited to participate in the discussion by asking questions of the panel and sharing reflections on the piece.
During 'Here's What She Said To Me', there will be a quiet space available in the Clearing (Level 1) if you need to leave the performance for a while.
Utopia Theatre is a leading African theatre company in the UK, founded in Sheffield in 2012 by Mojisola Elufowoju, FRSA. The company prides itself on being a leading voice in African Theatre, particularly in the digital space. The company is dedicated to demonstrating the rich cultural heritage of Africa’s theatre canon, and in so doing, dispel stereotypes and encourage authentic voices from the African Diaspora.
www.utopiatheatre.co.uk
This performance is presented on tour by house, an initiative delivered by Farnham Maltings and funded by Arts Council England.
www.housetheatre.org.uk
www.twitter.com/housetheatre