Banna Desta's "The Abyssinians" not only entertains but also sheds light on an overlooked chapter of African history, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Aksumite Empire.
**A Dramatic Revival: The Untold Story of Ethiopia's Ancient Empire**
**A Dramatic Revival: The Untold Story of Ethiopia's Ancient Empire**
An innovative audio drama unveils the complexities of the Aksumite Empire through the eyes of a tyrannical queen and her ambitious sons.
In her latest project, playwright Banna Desta breathes life into a largely unnoticed ancient African civilization, exploring the intricate dynamics of a tyrannical queen and her cunning twin sons in a new audio drama titled "The Abyssinians." Through this work, she aims to entertain while enhancing the audience's understanding of Africa, particularly its pre-colonial history.
"The Abyssinians" is set in the 5th Century within the Aksumite Empire, a once-prominent monarchy encompassing what is now northern Ethiopia and Eritrea, among other regions. The empire, which thrived from around 100 BC to AD 960, was not only a bustling center for trade but also marked the introduction of Christianity to Africa and the minting of the continent’s first coins. Desta notes that Ethiopia's historical significance is often overlooked: "I feel like Aksum is completely excluded out of that picture... yet it is a cradle of civilization."
Desta underscores her personal connection to the narrative; she was born in the U.S. to a woman hailing from Tigray, in northern Ethiopia, and a father from Eritrea. Her exploration into Aksumite history stems from a desire to understand her heritage and to embrace a time before colonial disruptions. "The impulse was really just wanting to learn more about a pre-colonial era," she explains.
This audio play, her first, is described as a tragicomedy that intertwines historical truths with imaginative fiction. It approaches the theme of humanity as the characters grapple with significant social and economic upheavals. Queen Yodit's dilemma of deciding her successor amid civil strife, romantic entanglements, and conflicting worldviews highlights the play's thematic depth.
Actress Danielle Deadwyler, who portrays Queen Yodit, characterizes her as multifaceted: "complex, regal, cunning, raw, sensual, and compelling." The historical figure Queen Yodit, also known as Judith, is surrounded by ambiguity due to inconsistent records, yet her legacy as a potentially tyrannical ruler has sparked interest. Desta felt this character was an intriguing basis for exploring female power dynamics in history.
Desta draws inspiration from the belief articulated by writer James Baldwin, that artists serve as "emotional or spiritual historians." This philosophy resonates in her work, as she endeavors to delve into the emotional spectrum of her characters’ lives, revealing vulnerabilities often neglected in traditional historical narratives.
The interplay of different perspectives extends to the character Makeda, portrayed by Arsema Thomas. Makeda, a servant forced to work in the royal household, embodies independence and ambition, challenging the norms of her station and demonstrating a "global thinker" mentality.
Although set in an ancient context, the dialogue infused with contemporary humour renders "The Abyssinians" relevant and engaging for modern audiences. The production features an original Ethio-jazz score by musicians DA Mekonnen and Andrew Orkin which enhances the narrative's emotional depth, fusing the ancient essence of Ethiopian music with modern jazz elements.
The cast includes prominent actors like André De Shields, who plays Frumentius, pivotal in introducing Christianity to the kingdom. The importance of diversity is paramount for Desta, advocating for actors from the Black diaspora to portray these rich historical figures.
As "The Abyssinians" garners attention, Desta expresses aspirations for future live performances while maintaining the integrity of the original cast. Through her artistic efforts, she strives to reclaim and redefine narratives surrounding Ethiopia's illustrious past, encouraging broader recognition of its integral role in global history.
"The Abyssinians" is set in the 5th Century within the Aksumite Empire, a once-prominent monarchy encompassing what is now northern Ethiopia and Eritrea, among other regions. The empire, which thrived from around 100 BC to AD 960, was not only a bustling center for trade but also marked the introduction of Christianity to Africa and the minting of the continent’s first coins. Desta notes that Ethiopia's historical significance is often overlooked: "I feel like Aksum is completely excluded out of that picture... yet it is a cradle of civilization."
Desta underscores her personal connection to the narrative; she was born in the U.S. to a woman hailing from Tigray, in northern Ethiopia, and a father from Eritrea. Her exploration into Aksumite history stems from a desire to understand her heritage and to embrace a time before colonial disruptions. "The impulse was really just wanting to learn more about a pre-colonial era," she explains.
This audio play, her first, is described as a tragicomedy that intertwines historical truths with imaginative fiction. It approaches the theme of humanity as the characters grapple with significant social and economic upheavals. Queen Yodit's dilemma of deciding her successor amid civil strife, romantic entanglements, and conflicting worldviews highlights the play's thematic depth.
Actress Danielle Deadwyler, who portrays Queen Yodit, characterizes her as multifaceted: "complex, regal, cunning, raw, sensual, and compelling." The historical figure Queen Yodit, also known as Judith, is surrounded by ambiguity due to inconsistent records, yet her legacy as a potentially tyrannical ruler has sparked interest. Desta felt this character was an intriguing basis for exploring female power dynamics in history.
Desta draws inspiration from the belief articulated by writer James Baldwin, that artists serve as "emotional or spiritual historians." This philosophy resonates in her work, as she endeavors to delve into the emotional spectrum of her characters’ lives, revealing vulnerabilities often neglected in traditional historical narratives.
The interplay of different perspectives extends to the character Makeda, portrayed by Arsema Thomas. Makeda, a servant forced to work in the royal household, embodies independence and ambition, challenging the norms of her station and demonstrating a "global thinker" mentality.
Although set in an ancient context, the dialogue infused with contemporary humour renders "The Abyssinians" relevant and engaging for modern audiences. The production features an original Ethio-jazz score by musicians DA Mekonnen and Andrew Orkin which enhances the narrative's emotional depth, fusing the ancient essence of Ethiopian music with modern jazz elements.
The cast includes prominent actors like André De Shields, who plays Frumentius, pivotal in introducing Christianity to the kingdom. The importance of diversity is paramount for Desta, advocating for actors from the Black diaspora to portray these rich historical figures.
As "The Abyssinians" garners attention, Desta expresses aspirations for future live performances while maintaining the integrity of the original cast. Through her artistic efforts, she strives to reclaim and redefine narratives surrounding Ethiopia's illustrious past, encouraging broader recognition of its integral role in global history.
