The Fourth Alaafin of Oyo

Written & Directed by Taiwo Aloba

Produced by African Theater Inc.

Cast: Watson Mere, Makenna Rivers, Olamide Asanpaola, Deandra Bernardo, Elisha Glass, Angelle Laguerre, Briana Johnson, Peter Johson, Babajide Ajisafe, and King Downing

When: May 30th, June 1st, & 4th 2022

Theater: Teatro Latea, New York, NY.

Festival: Summerfest of the New York Theater Festival

WINNER: MOST CREATIVE PLAY

Based on a century-old Nigerian Folklore, the play concerns the Yoruba deity, SANGO, who reigned as the fourth Alaafin of Oyo. The stage is anchored for a dramatic climax when SANGO sets two of his most powerful war generals against each other. Through ritual poetry, chorus, traditional rhythms, politics, and storytelling, the play entertains and asks questions about the human struggles of the will, loyalty, and the destructive consequences of unchecked power. It is written in English but includes Yoruba materials.