Once Upon a Time in Sokoto
By Inua Ellams | Directed by Roy Alexander Weise“There are powers that bind the world together,
softer than spirits yet stronger than stone,
that tie the river to the tree, the tree to rain clouds,
rain clouds to the land, and people to each other.”
The award-winning Once Upon a Time in Sokoto tells the epic story of a beautiful but unlikely friendship forged between a slave and her former master. Differences in faith, culture and heritage are overcome in the face of new enemies, in a gripping family drama set against the backdrop of events leading to the creation of Nigeria.
Nigeria-born Inua Ellams is an internationally celebrated poet, playwright, and artist – and winner of the 2024 Alfred Fagon Award for Once Upon a Time in Sokoto. He has published four poetry collections and his plays include the hugely popular and critically acclaimed Barber Shop Chronicles (Fuel/National Theatre, UK and International tour), the award-winning The 14th Tale (Fuel/UK tour) and his retelling of Three Sisters (National Theatre).
Once Upon a Time in Sokoto is presented in association with Touring Together – a new national programme, bringing bold stories which shine a fresh light on the world we live in today, to audiences across the country.
Touring Together is a China Plate and Fuel initiative in collaboration with Brighton Dome, Leeds Playhouse, Oxford Playhouse, Royal and Derngate, Northampton and Warwick Arts Centre, generously supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Image: Malik Afegbua
Praise for Barber Shop Chronicles:
Such an ambitious piece and so life-affirmingly realised. Go.
The Independent
Remarkable. A cut above the rest.
Observer
Warmth, wisdom and global reach
Daily Telegraph
