Home / Arts and Entertainment / Ejiofor Champions 'Boy Who Harnessed the Wind' Musical
Ejiofor Champions 'Boy Who Harnessed the Wind' Musical
21 Nov
Summary
- Chiwetel Ejiofor joins the musical adaptation as a creative associate.
- The musical is based on William Kamkwamba's true story of building a windmill.
- The show will premiere in Stratford-upon-Avon in February 2026.
Chiwetel Ejiofor has taken on a creative associate role for the upcoming musical adaptation of "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind." The production celebrates the remarkable true story of William Kamkwamba, who, as a teenager, ingeniously built a windmill to bring electricity and water to his famine-stricken village in Malawi. Ejiofor, deeply connected to the narrative since reading the book in 2009, will provide guidance and support for the theatrical endeavor.
The musical is set to debut at the Royal Shakespeare Company's Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon from February 10 to March 28, 2026. Following its initial run, the show, produced in association with Kenny Wax and Chuchu Nwagu Productions, will transfer to London's @sohoplace, running from April 25 to July 18, 2026. This marks a significant milestone as it's the first musical blessed by the RSC's new co-artistic directors.
Newcomer Alistair Nwachukwu is cast as William Kamkwamba, with Lynette Linton directing and Richy Hughes and Tim Sutton handling the book, music, and lyrics. Ejiofor has expressed profound admiration for Kamkwamba's tenacity and intellect, noting the story's enduring relevance and its powerful message about untapped human potential and opportunity. The production aims to translate this inspiring narrative of innovation and resilience to the stage.
