World Premiere
Nominated for Best New Play 2012 – Off West End Theatre Awards
“You think England is hard? Compared to Nigeria? My dear, you haven’t seen anything yet!”
On holiday with her streetwise son in Lagos, a British-Nigerian mother is in turmoil. Should she leave her only child in a strict Lagos boarding school, or return him to the battlefields of inner London?
“What do you see out of that window? People, right? Just people. Because there are no ‘Black’ people in Africa. Let him experience that for a change.”
A family spanning three generations and two continents meets in Lagos for the first time in over thirty years. But the joy of reunion also unleashes long-suppressed truths. An exuberant and thought-provoking mix of comedy, tragedy and family drama, Pandora’s Box reveals the heartbreak behind the difficult choices some parents must make – and the price their children pay.
An unmissable and moving new tragicomedy about families, betrayal, choices and love. Suitable for all the family.
“Breathtakingly candid…another strong female presence” The Guardian on Ade Solanke
“A funny and poignant play. All parents agonise about educational choices for their children. For Black and Diaspora parents, race and culture make the decision-making even more complex.” Diane Abbott MP.
Discussion of British-Nigerian writing and African art in the UK. During the last week in May, for the first time in British theatre history, three black women writers will have plays on simultaneously in major London venues. What is the audience and critical response to their work?
Speakers include: Ade Solanke, Playwright and Producer, Spora Stories; Yemisi Mokuolu, Independent Cultural Events Producer specialising in African arts; Sola Adeyemi, Lecturer in African Theatre, Loughborough University, and board member, African Theatre Association; Juwon Ogungbe, Musician and Composer; Ade Ajayi, Chair of African and Caribbean Chambers of Commerce and Enterprise (ACCCE).
Saturday 26 May, 5pm (after the 3pm Matinee)
Fundraising Performance for the Sickle-Cell Society
Help this charity raise much-needed funds to support families affected by sickle-cell disease a serious, inherited condition that causes pain and severe anaemia. Monday 21 May, 7:30pm
Mother’s Date Night
Join us for a special night to celebrate and recognise the love and sacrifices mothers make to help their children succeed. Wednesday 23 May, 7:30pm
Pandora’s Box is supported by the Unity Theatre Trust. It was first showcased by Tiata Fahodzi at Almeida Theatre and has been developed with the kind support of Goldsmiths College Pinter Centre. The producers also gratefully acknowledge the support of The Damilola Taylor Trust.
Tickets: £14 (£10 concessions)
Matinees 3.00pm Saturday 12 May
£10 (£7 concessions) – Opening Performances; 9 – 12 May
Pay What You Can Tuesdays (tickets in person at Arcola Tent from 6.00pm – limited and subject to availability)
