Following sell-out shows at Arcola Theatre in 2012, the acclaimed, award-winning British-African family drama returns to Arcola as part of its UK-wide tour.
“You think England is hard? Compared to Nigeria? My dear, you haven’t seen anything yet!”
Summer break is ending. On holiday with her streetwise son in Nigeria, 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.
Shortlisted for the $100,000 Nigeria Prize for Literature, Africa’s biggest literary award, and nominated for Best New Play, OffWestEnd Awards, this unmissable and moving tragicomedy about families, betrayal, choices and love is a must-see. Winner Best Play, Nigerian Entertainment Awards and Best Playwright African Film Awards. Suitable for all the family.
“Honest, simple and enthralling… What makes this play incredible, is not only the humour that runs throughout, but the real life portrayal of relationships… absolutely brilliant”
★★★★★ The Public Reviews
“Solanke’s writing is nothing short of magnificent, skillfully expounding the different perspectives of the Diaspora with sensitivity and humour”
★★★★ Afridiziak Theatre News
“A lively soap opera of family dramas and bubbling resentments which touch on issues of identity, heritage, mothering and the motherland… Pandora’s Box buzzes with life and the tensions of real people”
The Guardian
“…firecracker theatre … touching, hilarious”
The Stage
“A funny, poignant play. All parents agonise about education.”
Diane Abbott MP
Pandora’s Box is generously funded by Arts Council England, Awards for All and Unity Theatre Trust.
Twitter: [@sporastories](https://twitter.com/sporastories)
Facebook: [Spora Stories](https://www.facebook.com/SporaStories)
Writing contemporary African drama
Thursday 30 October, 6.30-7.30pm
A pre-show discussion on Pandora’s Box and writing contemporary African drama. Free for ticket-holders.
Visit the [event page](https://arcola1.staging.wpengine.com/events/writing-contemporary-african-drama) for details.
Q&A with cast and creatives
Friday 31 October, after Pandora’s Box
A post-show talk with the creative team. Free for ticket-holders.
Creating characters
Saturday 1 November, 1.30 – 2.30pm
A pre-show workshop aimed at young writers. Free for ticket-holders.
Free family participation activities
Monday – Friday during half-term week, 27 -31 October
Generously funded by Arts Council England, Awards for All and Unity Theatre Trust. Check [Spora Stories](http://www.sporastories.com/my-blog/2014/10/pandoras-box-free-half-term-participation-fun-oct-27-31-2014-.html) for details.
Saturday matinees at 3.30pm
Groups (4+) – £10 tickets with the offer code BOX10
