Nigerian-born playwright and novelist Biyi Bandele speaks with Tuzyline Jita Allan about his daring and politically-charged adaptation of the 17th century classic Oroonoko, a story of a journey from kingship to slavery, written by Aphra Behn, the first professional female author in Europe. Ooronoko, which was commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, will have its US premiere at Theater for a New Audience in February.
Biyi Bandele’s plays have been presented at the Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Court and Royal National Theatre, and his novels include The Sympathetic Undertaker and Burma Boy. Tuzyline Jita Allan is Professor of English at Baruch College, editor of Women Writing Africa, and author of Womanist and Feminist Aesthetics: A Comparative Review.
February 2- March 9, 2008
at The Duke on 42nd Street, 229 West 42nd Street
For more information: www.tfana.com
