Wales’ colonial past is confronted head-on in Azuka Oforka’s devastating historical drama.
Please note that all performances of The Women of Llanrumney are currently sold out but do check back for any availability updates. You can also join the waiting list for any performance by calling the Box Office on 029 2064 6900.
Set in 18th century colonial Jamaica, Azuka Oforka’s searing new play powerfully explores the experience of women during slavery – those who benefited from it, those who were brutalised by it and those who fought to destroy it. The Women of Llanrumney puts Wales’s role in slavery centre stage; illuminating a hidden chapter of Welsh history.
The story:
Llanrumney plantation. Saint Mary Parish, Jamaica. 1765.
Annie and Cerys are enslaved by the Morgan family from Wales. Their future hangs in the balance when Elizabeth Morgan is faced with losing her plantation. Fearing what could lie ahead, Annie does everything she can to secure her position in the Great House. But sooner or later, with a storm of rebellion building, Annie will have to face up to the horror and trauma, including her own.
The Women of Llanrumney announces Azuka Oforka as a major new voice in Welsh theatre. This searing new play is a must see for those looking for powerful, serious drama.
Five things to know about The Women of Llanrumney:
1. The Llanrumney plantation was owned by Sir Henry Morgan. Morgan’s name today is well known but his role in the slave trade is perhaps less well known. Originally from Cardiff’s Llanrumney area (at the time part of Monmouthshire), Morgan was an enslaver, owning three plantations in Jamaica. One of those plantations was named after his birthplace and is where our play is set.
2. The Women of Llanrumney is the full-length debut play by Azuka Oforka, an alumnus of Sherman Theatre’s Unheard Voices writer development programme.
3. Sherman Theatre Associate Artist Patricia Logue directs this world premiere production, returning to the Sherman following her hugely acclaimed production of Katherine Chandler’s Lose Yourself in 2019.
4. Designer Stella-Jane Odoemelam transforms the Studio spectacularly into the fading grandeur of the Great House.
5. Whilst The Women of Llanrumney depicts much horror and pain, there is humour and wit to be found amongst the cruelty and brutality in Azuka Oforka’s extraordinary play.
Find out more about the historical context of the play with our information pack.
Seating in the Studio is unreserved. Choose Your Price allows you to select how much you would like to pay for your seat.
23 May, 7.30pm: Captions by Erika James
29 May, 7.30pm: audio description by Michelle Perez. Audio Flyer / Audio Introduction
29 May, 6.45pm: Touch Tour. To book a spot, please contact Sherman Theatre Box Office on 029 2064 6900
30 May, 2pm: Captions by Erika James
30 May, 7.30pm: BSL interpretation by Nikki Champagnie Harris. BSL trailer (pre- and post-show support by Claire Anderson) 31 May, 6.30pm: Post-show talk
The FREE post show talk on 31 May will discuss the importance of showcasing stories about Black History and the impact of representation on the stage.
Our panel will be led by Ndidi John (Writer, Performer, Facilitator and Wellbeing practitioner) who will be joined by:
- Azuka Oforka (performer and writer of The Women of Llanrumney)
- Abu-Bakr Madden Al-Shabbaz (Historian, Comparative Sociologist, Psychologist, Educator and Psychotherapist)
- Chantelle Haughton (Academic, Educator, Consultant, Founder of DARPL, Co-Chair of ARWAP and The Black Leadership Group Wales, Chair of Black History Wales 365)
Additional support will be available from our Wellbeing Facilitators, Ndidi John and Mo Jannah, in a designated area in the foyer following performances on 29 and 30 May. This provision is for anyone would like someone to talk to or finds the material in the play particularly challenging.
Rehearsal and production photography by Ana Pinto.
The Women of Llanrumney has been featured in The Guardian’s “Best theatre, dance and comedy tickets to book in 2024” and WhatsOnStage’s “Top new plays to see in 2024”.
Press Night is Wednesday 22 May.
