Kiln Theatre, Fuel and Birmingham Repertory Theatre have announced casting for Nancy Medina’s forthcoming world premiere production of Inua Ellams’ anticipated new play, The Half-God of Rainfall, which runs at Birmingham Repertory Theatre from 13 to 20 April and Kiln Theatre from 25 April to 17 May 2019.
The production will star Rakie Ayola (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) as Modupe, mother to her half-god son Demi who will be played by Kwami Odoom (Barber Shop Chronicles).
Modupe, cursed with extraordinary beauty, draws the unwanted attention of the Greek and Yoruba gods. Her son Demi, half Nigerian-mortal, half Olympian child, is bestowed with powers; one of them manifests in the game of basketball. When he unknowingly sparks Zeus’ wrath, Modupe tries to protect him from the capricious whims of the gods.
Inua Ellams writes this contemporary saga that weaves poetry with storytelling in a majestic, chaotic journey across mythologies that transports us from a tiny village in Southern Nigeria to the further reaches of our galaxy and beyond.
This world premiere production will be directed by Nancy Medina, designed by Max Johns, with movement direction by Imogen Knight, sound design by Tanuja Amarasuriya, lighting design by Jackie Shemesh and casting by Briony Barnett.
