IROKO performs Shakespeare’s ‘The Witches’

Arts & Entertainment

London-based IROKO Theatre Company staged ‘Shakespeare’s Ájè, The Witches’ as part of the 400th year anniversary celebration of the death of William Shakespeare at London’s Barbican Centre recently.

In the 20-minute play, IROKO used African theatre methods incorporating movement, dance, chant, chorus, storytelling, rhythm and music to explore the world of Shakespeare’s Witches - from a Southern Nigerian perspective that believes that witches are not necessarily evil. from a Southern Nigerian perspective that believes that witches are not necessarily evil.from a Southern Nigeria perspective that believes that witches are not necessarily evil. 

According to Alex Oma-Pius, Artistic Director of IROKO Theatre Company, “It is believed that the women who possess Ájè can shape and define destiny and that the Ájè is not only a demonstration of the power that they have, but also the power of women.  We want to use this production to celebrate and honour women all over the world.” 

IROKO Theatre Company is a past recipient of the GAB Awards and a winner of the Guardian Charity Award for ‘its innovative approach to education.’