BY OYIZA ADABA | AFRICA-RELATED NEW YORK

Nigerian-born playwright and novelist Biyi Bandele speaks with Tuzyline Jita Allan about his daring and politically-charged adaptation of the 17th century classic Oroonoko, a story of a journey from kingship to slavery, written by Aphra Behn, the first professional female author in Europe. Ooronoko, which was commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, will have its US premiere at Theater for a ‘new audience’ in February.

Oroonoko

Biyi Bandele’s daring and politically-charged adaptation of the 17th century classic Oroonoko, a story of a journey from kingship to slavery, written by Aphra Behn.

Biyi Bandele's plays have been presented at the Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Court and Royal National Theatre, and his novels include The Sympathetic Undertaker and Burma Boy. Tuzyline Jita Allan is a Professor of English at Baruch College, editor of Women Writing Africa, and author of Womanist and Feminist Aesthetics: A Comparative Review.

Oroonoko first premiered at the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1999 where it was acclaimed as '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 interpretes the 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.

Bandele himself is a descendent of a returned slave, and his plays have been presented at the RSC, Royal Court and Royal National Theatre. Juwon Ogungbe composed the original score while Kate Whoriskey directed at LAByrinth Theatre Company, the Goodman, American Repertory Theatre, and the Intiman Theater.

BIYI BANDELE SPEAKS WITH TUZYLINE JITA ALLAN AT OROONOKO OPENING (AR/2009)

The cast include 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' opens 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: www.tfana.com