Stories of exile, magic and power with glorious music!
If you saw the wonderfully uplifting and ever-popular, The Old Woman, the Buffalo and the Lion of Manding on tour, you’ll be as excited as we are that Jan Blake, one of the world’s leading storytellers, has been awarded a grant from Arts Council England and the National Lottery to work with Kouame Sereba, Raymond Sereba and an Adverse Camber creative team to develop the next installment of the Sundiata Keita story!
At Canada Water Theatre from 3 March, the team develop ideas and test new approaches, adding members of London International Gospel Choir to the ensemble. Interweaving Jan’s vivid and dynamic storytelling with Raymond and Kouame’s rich repertoire of traditional West African songs and music – the voices of the gospel choir adds a whole new dynamic layer to the mix.
The Lion of Manding: Exile, Magic and Power, (working title) tells of the legendary founder of the Malian Empire, Sundiata Keita, growing in skills, strength and wisdom as he travels in exile through many African kingdoms, towards his eventual triumphant return.