The Trials of Brother Jero & The Strong Breed

The play follows him through a typical day: he acts as kind of tourist guide, displaying himself to the audience, explaining, demonstrating how he manages to live by his wits

He is pursued and cursed by his aged mentor, whose territory he has taken over. He is besieged by a woman creditor who turns out to be the tyrannical wife of his chief disciple

He converts a pompous, painfully timid Member of Parliament with prophecies of a ministerial post. And all day he tries to resist the endless temptation of beautiful women the play is delightfully picturesque and entertaining" ~ Michael Smith (M8,F6)

Presented with great success Off-Broadway (in tandem with The Strong Breed), this richly humorous and lively evocation of contemporary African life introduced the work of Nigeria's leading playwright to American audiences

"A robust and splendid theatre experience" ~ NY Times

" a charming comedy" ~ Village Voice

The Strong Breed ~ "The play refers to a folk tradition by which one person becomes the 'carrier' of community evil and symbolically purifies the village in an annual ritual

The hero is Eman, a stranger who has come to this particular village to act as teacher and share his education. 'Those who have much to give,' he says, 'must do so in total loneliness'

On the night of the purification ceremony he learns that Ifada, a helpless idiot boy whom he has befriended, has been selected as 'carrier' and victim; and he is driven by compassion to take Ifada's part in the ritual

The crisis brings back memories. We learn that Eman's father was a 'carrier' and that Eman has fled the family tradition of symbolic sacrifice. We also learn of Omae, the young Eman's betrothed, whom he left for many years to pursue his personal destiny and who died soon after his return

Now Eman accepts his past and discovers, 'I am very much my father's son' - one of 'the strong breed' who must take these responsibilities upon themselves - and at the end of the play is caught in a trap at the sacred trees and killed" ~ Michael Smith (M12,F5)

This powerful and moving study of native African rites and taboos, by the renowned Nigerian playwright, received warm critical acclaim in its long-running Off-Broadway production (on a double bill with The Trials of Brother Jero)

"demonstrates the complexity of the African soul with forceful dramatic conviction" ~ NY Times