Wole Soyinka international Cultural exchange 2026 presents Esther’s Revenge

Esther’s Revenge is an experiential play inspired by true-life events of Esther in 1953. The sentence is death by Hanging. This very participatory play, as devised, explores themes around racial discrimination, Gender based violence, sexual abuse, political and social injustice.  In the play, Esther takes us on a journey through time into the events leading up to the death of Mark. The warder determines the appropriate law that should be applied to the case, and the jury finds the facts in the case based on what is presented to them during the course of the play. At the end of the interaction, the warder reminds the jury on the applicable law. While the jury must listen to the warder’s instructions as to the law, the jury alone is responsible for determining the facts of the case. The Jury is given the responsibility to vote in favour or against a stay of execution.

Inspired by the true story of Esther Ada Johnson, Esther’s Revenge is an award-winning interactive theatre experience that explores racial discrimination, gender-based violence, abuse of power and social injustice. Raw, compelling and deeply human, the play invites audiences to confront difficult questions about truth, memory and accountability.

In this unique production, the audience becomes the jury. The evidence is presented. The facts are contested. The final decision rests with you. Since premiering in 2018, Esther’s Revenge has been performed more than 80 times internationally, earning festival awards and an Off-Broadway residency in New York.

Written and directed by Kenneth Uphopho
Performed by Bola Stephen-Atitebi
Produced by Pawstudios Africa