“You can’t go anywhere if you don’t know where you come from.”

Exploring cultural history was the overarching theme of Night Five at the Year of the Arts Women’s Play Festival.

In Aya and the Masquerades, playwright Karen Monie uses the story of a little girl – Aya – in search of adventure and a better life, to explore the meaning of home and the importance of protecting the earth.

Nonxebazenkosi Khumalo (Aya), Lydia Makaga and Lina Makaga did a lovely job of telling the stories in this parable-styled tale, greatly aided by the magical soundscape from Mark Parselelo. In many ways, Aya reminded me of Alice in a Cameroonian wonderland, full of mythical creatures and magical animals. I was especially enchanted by the Secretary Bird kingdom on Aya’s adventure; Lydia and Lina used their voices beautifully to bring the birds to life.

After the show last night, I fell down an internet rabbit hole of my own, researching the tradition of African masquerades, an important part of African cultural heritage. I also read that mask wearing and celebrations involving masks often tell important stories of rites of passage. This tracks for Aya’s story, which includes an awareness and awakening to the fact that everything she has ever wanted “has been right before my eyes all along.” 

I’m also excited to see how White Rooster Theatre and director Santiago Guzman intend on using masks to bring this story alive when the play is staged in full later this year.

Keep an eye out for works from this young and talented Cameroonian actor, writer, filmmaker and playwright. 

After the intermission, we were treated to a fully staged production of Beauty Behind the Norms, by Nicole Obiodiaka. It was nice to see a play on its feet, with costumes and set pieces.

Beauty Behind the Norms is set in rural Nigeria, where we meet the domineering and abusive man who treats his four wives as property, denying them any purchase or individuality. As the story unfolds, he marries a fifth wife, Ada, who pushes back against the cultural norms and suffers the consequences but finds personal fulfillment in the end.

As stated in the programme, the play “is a homage to the indomitable spirit of women and a vibrant testament to the beauty and strength found in African culture.”

Congratulations to all the performers: Ugonna Ihemedu, Joe Chinaka, Oluwatoyin Awosanya, Mercy Muyanga, Jessica Quaw, Angel Nene, Jephthah Anga, Rinret Innocent and Keren Happuch. There were many lovely, funny and touching moments – especially between the wives – and I was moved by the compelling scene between Ada and her mother.

Nicole is one of those young women that makes you wonder what you’ve been doing with your time. An international student from Lagos, Nigeria, she has made a significant impact in St John’s since her arrival in 2019.  She was instrumental in creating the Black Students Association at MUN, has led 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. In 2022 she produced a video series through CBC focused on Black women leaders in the province. She also founded Centra, a non-profit organization that provides resources for under-represented entrepreneurs and was the recipient of a 2022–23 Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies. 

…and she will be working on a project with PerSIStence Theatre this coming year as well.

Two amazingly talented writers and performers on Night Five, showcasing international stories. Night Six also includes two plays: About Time: A Journey of Self-Discovery & Change by Vanessa Cardoso, and Coming Full Circle, written and performed by Sophie Angnatok. See you there!