West African Macbeth: Supernatural Power Grab

Oladipo Agboluaje's play, rooted in 19th-century West Africa, reimagines Shakespeare's Macbeth with an all-encompassing supernatural presence. A warrior named Aderemi is set on a path to becoming a despot after his wife, Oyebisi, dreams of him wearing a crown. This prophetic dream initiates a series of extraordinary events and shifts in power.

The production by Mojisola Kareem vividly portrays the mythical Yoruba landscape, with the deity Esu playing a significant role. While Aderemi and Oyebisi are portrayed as a credible couple with justifiable ambitions stemming from their past, the play's focus moves beyond Aderemi's individual psychology.

Instead, the narrative delves into the politics of succession and the negotiation among royal houses as they attempt to manage a headstrong leader. The play ultimately becomes a profound commentary on power, governance, and the enduring social consequences of tyranny, serving as a warning against modern demagogues.