FOR EXTRA PHOTO STORY CLICK HERE |
ABOVE & ABOVE RIGHT: Elated members of the audience join the talented cast for the parting dance. RIGHT: Behind the scene preparations and rehearsals continue. FOR MORE BEHIND THE SCENE COVERAGE AND AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION, THE SHOW IS PRESENTLY ON A BREAK |
The African Dance Drama - PRISONER OF THE KALAKIRI written by Professor Chudi Uwazuruike, succesfully opened off-Broadway recently. Among those in attendance on the opening night were members of the Press, the Entertainment Industry, and Theater-goers from the cultuarally mixed New York black and white communities. Directed by all-round Director, Bethels Agomuoh, and featuring talented cast members such as Jamaican-American Joe Cover, British-born Performer Yvonne "Dazz" Forbes and Lawyer/Judge/Author/Poet/Actor Oliver Mbamara among others, the play is a hit and has promises of longevity. The show is now on break and hopes to resume for the black history month. DETAILED PHOTO-STORY BELOW Upper right, below left and below right, Fanzy Manguehy and Justine dictate the tune as Princess Taha, Sophie Clarke and Joy "Ayo" Houtman do the energetic Kaoka Dance steps. (NB: Place your cursor on picture for helpful footnote) |
RIGHT: The Poetic "Earth Mother" (Yvonne "Dazz" Forbes) surrounded by the Chorus Maidens, sets the ball rolling. BELOW: "G.O.C. Manga" (Oliver Mbamara) is subdued and prepared for trial at the instruction of "Ibe Okoko" (Joe Cover) President/King of the Kingdom Kalakiri. BELOW RIGHT: "Judas, Chief Warder of Kalakiri Island Security Prisons" (David Cofie) dismantles Okoko's Kalakiri Kingdom Republic. |
ABOVE: The ever arrogant Manga (Oliver Mbamara) ridicules Okoko's authority and Court system. And not even the appeal of Defence Attorney - Hamidu Abazua (Kirt Harding) will get his attention. ABOVE RIGHT: "Madam Thick" (Princess Taha) leads the prison inmates and Warders in a prayer to revive the "neither dead nor alive" V.I.P. Manga. RIGHT: G.O.C. Manga (Oliver Mbamara) "graduate of Kalakiri prison" shares a moment with his wife Angy (Sophie Clarke) after his release, while his former inmates peruse the papers. BELOW: A prison inmate manhandles Mr. G.O.C. Manga to the admiration of Chief Accuser and Prosecutor (Bethels Agomuoh) and Prison clown (Justine Kafando). BELOW RIGHT: "It's the Spirit Mr. Manga" . Mr. Hamidu Abazua (Kirt Harding) tells a baffled Manga. |
ABOVE & ABOVE RIGHT: Elated members of the audience join the talented cast for the parting dance. RIGHT: Behind the scene preparations and rehearsals continue. FOR MORE BEHIND THE SCENE COVERAGE AND AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION, THE SHOW IS PRESENTLY ON A BREAK |
FOR EXTRA PHOTO STORY CLICK HERE |
