April — June 2023

Paradise. Home of 10-year-old Darling and her friends: four children on the edge of innocence. A playground overflowing with mischief and games where they imagine countries a luxurious life away from theirs in Mugabe's Zimbabwe.

A Fifth Word Theatre and New Perspectives Theatre touring co-production, in association with Brixton House Theatre. Directed by Monique Touko.

But when Darling moves to Michigan, the Western world she encounters as a teenager is far from the American utopia of her dreams... Based on the novel by the first Black African woman and first Zimbabwean to be Booker Prize-shortlisted, this defiant coming-of-age story is full of exuberance, humour and humanity.

Cast

Munashe Chirisa
Anashe Danai
Princess Khumalo
Tatenda Mademombe
Lukwesa Mwamba
Kalungi Ssebandeke

Creative Team

Based on the book by — NoViolet Bulawayo
Adapted by — Mufaro Makubika
Director — Monique Touko
Assistant Director — Jordi M. Carter
Movement Director — Ricardo Da Silva
Set & Costume Designer — Ingrid Hu
Lighting Designer — Adam King
Composer — Tendai Humphrey Sitima
Sound Designer — Ed Lewis
Stage Manager — Alyssa Watts
Production Manager — Alison Willcox

Reviews

★★★★ “The range of acting by the brilliant cast took me through such a range of emotions that this play will certainly be one I won’t forget in a hurry!” — Afridiziak

★★★★★ “Humorous and horrifying in equal measure, the show was a thoroughly engaging experience from start to finish.” — LondonTheatre1

★★★★ “Director Monique Touko keeps the tone lively with this tough story of Mugabe’s Zimbabwe in which the actors switch race, age and gender with ease.” — The Guardian

★★★★ “a powerful exploration of the migrant tale through the lens of a child. It’s a note-worthy coming of age story that touches on politics, racism and mental health in a sincere and authentic way.” — The Rendition

★★★★ “a wonderful look at the idea of belonging and is equally as heart-breaking as it is uplifting.” — All That Dazzles

★★★★ “a powerful theatrical experience.” — Salterton Arts Review