7.30pm
'An exuberant, warts-and-all account of Nigerian life. Femi Elufowoju's production has real verve, and the cast give it everything they've got... terrific fun'
**** The Guardian
'Acute and exciting writing... superbly staged... Iya-Ile (The First Wife) has a scope and a vitality that is all too rare to see.'
**** The Times
'Femi Elufowoju Jr’s production for his Tiata Fahodzi company is fluid and pacy, and Jude Akuwudike and Antonia Okonma give strong leads as the chief and his wife'
**** Financial Times
'Femi Elufowoju’s production is exuberant and intense in equal measure. The cast’s performances are first rate... the sheer scope and humanity of the piece is a rare treat'
**** Time Out
Click here to see the trailer
Lust. Power. Deceit. The Adeyemi family is back in business.
It's 1989 in Lagos. Political hysteria and social change are sweeping Nigeria. Chief Adeyemi's wife Toyin is turning 40 and, behind the mansion walls, the household is preparing for her party. But there are other distractions. Their troublesome sons, returning from college, are more interested in seduction and starting revolutions than their parents' disintegrating marriage. Meanwhile Helen, the ambitious house girl, is waiting for her chance...
An unmissable theatrical party, Ìyà-Ilé is the long-awaited prequel to the hugely successful The Estate, which is currently being adapted for film. A vibrant mix of comedy, political satire and family intrigue, Ìyà-Ilé is packed with witty dialogue and the wonderful music of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey.
Oladipo Agboluaje's most recent plays include The Christ of Coldharbour Lane and the five-star hit The Hounding of David Oluwale. Tiata Fahodzi was last at Soho Theatre in 2007 with the sell-out hit Joe Guy.
With Jude Akuwudike, Babatunde Aleshe, Tobi Bakare, Estella Daniels, Antonia Okonma, Marcy Oni, Nick Oshikanlu, Javone Prince and Chucky Venn.
Designed by ULTZ
Lighting by Trevor Wallace
Soundscape by Simon McCorry
Costumes by Moji Bamtefa
