Beauty Behind the Norms
Written by Nicole Obiodiaka
Cast:
BANKE - Rinret Innocent
MADAM AISHA - Oluwatoyin Awosanya
AMINA - Jessica Quaw
FUNMI - Keren Happuch
ADA - Angel Nene
MAMA ADA - Mercy Muyanga
PAPA ADA - Jeff Anga
IKE - Ugonna Ihemedu
ADAS DAUGHTER - Nyala Adam
Runtime: 35 Minutes
Synopsis:
This is a transformative and thought-provoking play set in rural Nigeria that delves into the heart of women's empowerment amidst the traditional domestic roles assigned to them in a deeply patriarchal society. The play centers around a powerful Nigerian man and his five wives, each relegated to traditional domestic functions and denied opportunities for education or employment. As the story unfolds, a new wife enters the scene, bringing with her a wave of change. Throughout the play, the audience is immersed with vibrant multi sensory portrayals of African culture, celebrating its richness and the inherent strength of its women. The narrative weaves through the complexities of cultural norms, the struggle for gender equality, and the resilience of women in the face of adversity. It is a homage to the indomitable spirit of women and a vibrant testament to the beauty and strength found in African culture.
About the playwright:
An international student from Lagos, Nigeria, IJEOMA NICOLE OBIODIAKA has made a significant impact in St John’s since her arrival in 2019. She has been involved with the Memorial University of Newfoundland Student Union (MUNSU), serving on the Senate, as well as organizing Black History Month events.
She was instrumental in creating the Black Students Association (BSA) and served as its vice-president and president. During her time with the BSA, the group hosted events and anti-racism workshops, produced a video series to address stereotypes Black people face and hosted equity, diversity and inclusion workshops to help others learn how to be allies to marginalized groups. She is also the first Black student representative to serve on the Canadian Federation of Students Newfoundland and Labrador and she volunteered during events and as a mentor with the Student Volunteer Bureau.
In 2022 she produced a video series through CBC focused on Black women leaders in the province. The five-part series “Herstory: Inspiring Black Women in N.L.,” launched in February, 2023. Obiodiaka also founded Centra, a non-profit organization that provides resources for under-represented entrepreneurs. Centra’s first initiative was the province’s first Black-owned vendor market, held at the St. John's Farmers' Market in November 2021. Under Centra, Obiodaika produced and directed “Blank Page,” an African Love story for St John’s Shorts in 2023.
She has acted in several plays in her home country, and also performs spoken word poetry. Obiodiaka is the recipient of a 2022–23 Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies. The award recognizes entrepreneurial students for their academic achievements and university and community leadership.
Written by Nicole Obiodiaka
Cast:
BANKE - Rinret Innocent
MADAM AISHA - Oluwatoyin Awosanya
AMINA - Jessica Quaw
FUNMI - Keren Happuch
ADA - Angel Nene
MAMA ADA - Mercy Muyanga
PAPA ADA - Jeff Anga
IKE - Ugonna Ihemedu
ADAS DAUGHTER - Nyala Adam
Runtime: 35 Minutes
Synopsis:
This is a transformative and thought-provoking play set in rural Nigeria that delves into the heart of women's empowerment amidst the traditional domestic roles assigned to them in a deeply patriarchal society. The play centers around a powerful Nigerian man and his five wives, each relegated to traditional domestic functions and denied opportunities for education or employment. As the story unfolds, a new wife enters the scene, bringing with her a wave of change. Throughout the play, the audience is immersed with vibrant multi sensory portrayals of African culture, celebrating its richness and the inherent strength of its women. The narrative weaves through the complexities of cultural norms, the struggle for gender equality, and the resilience of women in the face of adversity. It is a homage to the indomitable spirit of women and a vibrant testament to the beauty and strength found in African culture.
About the playwright:
An international student from Lagos, Nigeria, IJEOMA NICOLE OBIODIAKA has made a significant impact in St John’s since her arrival in 2019. She has been involved with the Memorial University of Newfoundland Student Union (MUNSU), serving on the Senate, as well as organizing Black History Month events.
She was instrumental in creating the Black Students Association (BSA) and served as its vice-president and president. During her time with the BSA, the group hosted events and anti-racism workshops, produced a video series to address stereotypes Black people face and hosted equity, diversity and inclusion workshops to help others learn how to be allies to marginalized groups. She is also the first Black student representative to serve on the Canadian Federation of Students Newfoundland and Labrador and she volunteered during events and as a mentor with the Student Volunteer Bureau.
In 2022 she produced a video series through CBC focused on Black women leaders in the province. The five-part series “Herstory: Inspiring Black Women in N.L.,” launched in February, 2023. Obiodiaka also founded Centra, a non-profit organization that provides resources for under-represented entrepreneurs. Centra’s first initiative was the province’s first Black-owned vendor market, held at the St. John's Farmers' Market in November 2021. Under Centra, Obiodaika produced and directed “Blank Page,” an African Love story for St John’s Shorts in 2023.
She has acted in several plays in her home country, and also performs spoken word poetry. Obiodiaka is the recipient of a 2022–23 Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies. The award recognizes entrepreneurial students for their academic achievements and university and community leadership.
Aya and The Masquerades
Written by Karen Monie
Direction by Santiago Guzmán
Assistant Directed by Lisah Nsanzugwanko
Music Direction by Mark Parselelo
Produced by White Rooster Theatre
Cast:
AYA - Nonxebazenkosi Khumalo
VARIOUS - Lydia Makaga
VARIOUS - Lina Makaga
Runtime: 50 Minutes
Synopsis:
A young girl who dreams of a better life, Aya decides to leave her village the night of their festival when she discovers the village of lights, a magical settlement beaming with promise and adventure. Learning that masquerades, sacred beings who roam the land on giant stilts, may be the key to finding the mysterious new village, Aya sets out on a journey to find the creatures, befriending unusual characters and learning a thing or two about her and the world beyond home. A laud to Cameroon, Aya and the masquerades is a story about courage, love and persistence.
About the playwright:
Karen Monie is a Cameroonian actor, writer and filmmaker. She works in film, theatre and television.
On screen, her past credits include “Little Dog” (CBC), “Caught” (CBC), and “Hudson & Rex” (CityTV). Behind the scenes, she worked as a writing assistant on “Frontier” (Netflix), and her first short film, "Common Law", has premiered at the Nickel Independent Film Festival.
Her first play, "The Masquerade", showed at the St. John's Short Plays Festival in Newfoundland, and her second stage play, "Those Left Behind", has been showcased and work-shopped at Newfoundland's Women's Work Festival.
Written by Karen Monie
Direction by Santiago Guzmán
Assistant Directed by Lisah Nsanzugwanko
Music Direction by Mark Parselelo
Produced by White Rooster Theatre
Cast:
AYA - Nonxebazenkosi Khumalo
VARIOUS - Lydia Makaga
VARIOUS - Lina Makaga
Runtime: 50 Minutes
Synopsis:
A young girl who dreams of a better life, Aya decides to leave her village the night of their festival when she discovers the village of lights, a magical settlement beaming with promise and adventure. Learning that masquerades, sacred beings who roam the land on giant stilts, may be the key to finding the mysterious new village, Aya sets out on a journey to find the creatures, befriending unusual characters and learning a thing or two about her and the world beyond home. A laud to Cameroon, Aya and the masquerades is a story about courage, love and persistence.
About the playwright:
Karen Monie is a Cameroonian actor, writer and filmmaker. She works in film, theatre and television.
On screen, her past credits include “Little Dog” (CBC), “Caught” (CBC), and “Hudson & Rex” (CityTV). Behind the scenes, she worked as a writing assistant on “Frontier” (Netflix), and her first short film, "Common Law", has premiered at the Nickel Independent Film Festival.
Her first play, "The Masquerade", showed at the St. John's Short Plays Festival in Newfoundland, and her second stage play, "Those Left Behind", has been showcased and work-shopped at Newfoundland's Women's Work Festival.
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