Playwright Banna Desta unveils an often-overlooked ancient African civilization in her latest audio drama, portraying an increasingly tyrannical queen and her ambitious twin sons.
“The aim of the play is not only to entertain but also to enrich audiences’ understanding of Africa,” Desta explains. “I wanted to depict a time when the continent thrived without the scars of colonialism.”
The Abyssinians is set in the 5th Century within the Aksumite Empire, renowned for its wealth and influence.
The Kingdom of Aksum flourished for nearly a millennium, from approximately 100 BC to AD 960, covering territories of modern northern Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, southern Saudi Arabia, and western Yemen.
This empire is notable for introducing Christianity to Africa and minting the continent’s first coins.
Aksum held a strategic position in trade routes connecting India and the Mediterranean, dominating the Red Sea trade through the port of Adulis.
In the third century, Aksum was regarded as one of the world’s four great powers alongside Persia, Rome, and China.
She chose this historical backdrop due to her personal connections—born in the US to a mother from Tigray and a father from Eritrea, regions central to the old Aksumite empire.
The Abyssinians, directed by Shariffa Al, marks Desta’s debut in audio playwriting, blending historical facts with imaginative storytelling. It’s a tragicomedy that captures the essence of humanity during transformative times.
This play narrates the struggles of a monarchy at a pivotal moment in history.
Queen Yodit faces the challenge of choosing which of her twin sons, Kaleb or Negus, will inherit the throne, all while navigating social and economic turmoil and differing beliefs regarding religion and rights, intertwined with romantic subplots.
While loosely inspired by the historical Queen Yodit, the character has been adapted for the play’s narrative.
The historical figure lacks comprehensive records, creating a mystery surrounding her legacy. Some view her as despotic, playing a role in Aksum’s decline, which Desta researched during her trip to Ethiopia.
“Yodit serves as an intriguing foundation for developing a character that defies traditional female archetypes,” Desta explains.
“Female leaders often seem to have to fit into precise molds—I find the notion of a powerful female tyrant in history refreshing.”
Reflecting on artistic expression, Desta resonates with James Baldwin’s view of artists as “emotional or spiritual historians,” striving to convey a wide spectrum of human emotions and challenges existing beyond public personas.
Queen Yodit’s complexity stems from a lack of love, shaping her reactions to her world and her leadership.
Another character defying stereotypes is Makeda, portrayed by Arsema Thomas. She is a young woman sent to serve in the royal household to settle her father’s debts, who possesses a broader vision beyond her social position.
Despite its ancient setting, The Abyssinians features contemporary dialogue and humor, keeping it accessible and relatable for modern audiences.
Queen Yodit is particularly adept at delivering sharp comments amid serious discussions, adding depth to the narrative.
The production is complemented by an original Ethio-jazz score, blending ancient musical qualities with contemporary jazz influences.
Acclaimed actor André De Shields shared that participating in The Abyssinians allowed him to reconnect with his cultural roots and highlighted the transformative power of art.
Desta emphasized the importance of casting actors from the black diaspora to authentically represent the characters.
The cast is enriched by talents such as Zainab Jah, award-winning for her role in Farewell Amor, alongside Chukwudi Iwuji and Phillip James Brannon, further amplifying the production’s quality.
Desta expressed profound gratitude for the stellar talent involved, a rarity for emerging playwrights.
Her next aspiration is to transition The Abyssinians from audio format to stage, ideally with the current cast.
