South African theatre audiences are in for a treat next month, as the renowned one-woman international play, The Woman Who Would Be King, is set to make it South African début in Cape Town.
The Woman Who Would Be King, a fictional one-woman play written and performed by Nigerian-American actress and producer, Esosa E., will showcase at Alexander Bar, Café and Theatre for the very first time this April, and is set to captivate audiences with it’s rich African history story telling – inspired by the life of Hatshepsut, the first female Pharaoh and her journey to the throne.
According to Egyptologists, Hatshepsut is known as one of the first great women in history. Research into Egyptian history sees Hatshepsut regarded as one of the most successful Pharaohs, reigning longer than any other woman of an Egyptian dynasty. Hatshepsut was the fifth Pharaoh of the 18th dynasty of Egypt, and came to the throne of Egypt after ruling jointly with Thutmose III who had ascended to the throne as a child one year earlier.
During this 65-minute one-woman play, audiences will see first hand why Hatshepsut was known for establishing prosperous trade routes, and launching elaborate building projects, but toward the end of the reign of her successor Thutmose III an attempt was made to remove Hatshepsut from pharaonic records. Her images were literally chiselled off many stone walls, leaving very obvious gaps in the artwork.
Working back-and-forth between Los Angeles and Cape Town, Esosa E says she’s excited to finally showcase The Woman Who Would Be King in Cape Town next month.
“When I came to work in Cape Town and discovered the gem that is Alexander Bar & Cafe, I saw how people within the Cape Town community still respect and appreciate live theatre. I knew that this was the perfect place to début my one woman show,” she says.
“I’ve always had a deep personal connection to ancient Egypt, and a desire to be a part of reshaping how it is portrayed in popular culture.”
While the show is written and performed by Esosa E, Seattle writer and educator Paul Adolphsen serves as the show’s dramaturg. Paul’s interests as a dramaturg and educator include trauma, testimony, and memory in the South African theatre, as well as methods of theatrical adaptation and new play development. He is currently conducting research in Cape Town as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of the Western Cape. As a dramaturg he has worked with Book-It Repertory Theatre (Seattle, WA), Vashon Opera (WA), Hartford Stage Company (CT), Silverthorne Theatre Company (MA), and Five College Opera (MA), UMass Mew Play Lab (MA).
The Woman Who Would Be King is directed by Michael Kirch, who’s most recent stage offerings include: Bench(2012-2013) which was performed at Kalk Bay Theatre, Fugard Theatre, Alexander Upstairs, and the Grahamstown National Arts Festival; and Cock and Bull Story (2014) staged at Galloway Theatre and Alexander Upstairs. For his work he has been nominated for the Fleur du Cap (Rosalie van der Gucht Prize), Best New Director. Michael completed his MA in Stage Directing and Theatrical Production at UCT in 2008.
Previews for The Woman Who Would Be King take place on Wednesday 20 April and Thursday 21 April. The show officially opens on Monday 25 April and runs until Saturday 30 April. Tickets for the Cape Town leg of The Woman Who Would Be King tour in 2016 are now on sale at R100 each.
Visit https://alexanderbar.co.za to purchase tickets online for R90 each (a R10 discount) or call 021 300 1088 to book your seat and not miss this dazzling theatre production.
ABOUT ESOSA E
Esosa E. is an award winning producer, writer, actress, health expert, and fashion designer who was named a “Young African Visionary” by Obaseema Magazine and included in Applause Africa’s list of “30 Most Intriguing Africans in NY.” Currently she plays the role of Ngozi on the hit international TV and web series An African City, which has been featured on the BBC, NPR, CNN, Vogue, EBONY, ELLE Magazine (France, South Africa, & Sweden), Glamour Magazine (France), International Business Times, Madame Noire, Forbes Africa and more. She is currently attached to star in a number of different film and television projects with acclaimed filmmakers worldwide including Rise of the Orisha, a superhero movie inspired by African mythology. For more information visit: www.esosae.com .
Martin Myers 
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