Fuel in association with Touring Together presents the award-winning play 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 an enslaved woman 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.
Winner of the 2024 Alfred Fagon Award for Once Upon a Time in Sokoto, Nigeria-born Inua Ellams is an internationally celebrated poet, playwright, and artist. 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) and 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.
In Conversation with writer Inua Ellams
Creatives
- Inua Ellams - Writer
- Roy Alexander Weise - Director
- Amelia Jane Hankin - Set Designer
- Femi Temowo - Composer
- Coral Messam - Movement Director
- Jessica Cabassa - Costume Designer
- Heather Basten CDG - Casting Director
- Brigitte Adela - Associate Director
- Helen Mugridge - Production Manager
Commissioned and produced by Fuel.
About Touring Together
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.
14-25 Members Pre-Show Event
Members of our 14 to 25s scheme are invited to our special pre-show event for Once Upon a Time in Sokoto on Fri 16 Oct. Find out more here.
Such an ambitious piece and so life-affirmingly realised. Go.The Independent on Barber Shop Chronicles
