Casting Announced For The Half God Of Rainfall
We are delighted to announce the cast for Inua Ellams' The Half God Of Rainfall, which has its world première at The REP from 13-20 April, followed by a run at Kiln Theatre.
Rakie Ayola will play Modupe, mother to her half-god son Demi who will be played by Kwami Odoom in a production directed by Nancy Medina.
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.
Rakie Ayola plays Modupe. Rakie's previous credits include Leave To Remain (Lyric Hammersmith), Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (The Palace Theatre), King Lear (Royal Exchange/Talawa), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time (National at The Apollo) and The Winter's Tale (RSC). Screen credits include Noughts and Crosses (ITC/BBC), Shetland (ITV/BBC) and No Offence (Abbott Vision/Channel 4).
Kwami Odoom plays Demi. Kwami's work in theatre includes BOYS (The PappyShow/Vaults), A Christmas Carol (Royal Shakespeare Company), Queen Margaret (Royal Exchange) and Barber Shop Chronicles (National Theatre). Screen credits include The Athena (Sky Kids / Brycoed Productions); The Rook (Lionsgate); and Doctors (BBC).
This world première 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.
This production is a collaboration between Kiln Theatre, Fuel and Birmingham Repertory Theatre and is Ellams' latest play since Barber Shop Chronicles.
The Half God Of Rainfall premières at The REP from 13-20 April and then goes on to play at Kiln Theatre from 25 April – 17 May. Click here for more information and to book tickets.
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