THE WOMEN OF LLANRUMNEY

Wales’ colonial past is confronted head-on in Azuka Oforka’s devastating historical drama.

Set in 18th century colonial Jamaica, Azuka Oforka’s searing new play powerfully explores the experience of women during slavery – those who benefited from it, those who were brutalised by it and those who fought to destroy it. The Women of Llanrumney puts Wales’s role in slavery centre stage; illuminating a hidden chapter of Welsh history.

The story:

Llanrumney plantation. Saint Mary Parish, Jamaica. 1765.

Annie and Cerys are enslaved by the Morgan family from Wales. Their future hangs in the balance when Elizabeth Morgan is faced with losing her plantation. Fearing what could lie ahead, Annie does everything she can to secure her position in the Great House. But sooner or later, with a storm of rebellion building, Annie will have to face up to the horror and trauma, including her own.

The Women of Llanrumney announces Azuka Oforka as a major new voice in Welsh theatre. This searing new play is a must see for those looking for powerful, serious drama.

Five things to know about The Women of Llanrumney:

1. The Llanrumney plantation was owned by Sir Henry Morgan. Morgan’s name today is well known but his role in the slave trade is perhaps less well known. Originally from Cardiff’s Llanrumney area (at the time part of Monmouthshire), Morgan was an enslaver, owning three plantations in Jamaica. One of those plantations was named after his birthplace and is where our play is set.

2. The Women of Llanrumney is the full-length debut play by Azuka Oforka, an alumnus of Sherman Theatre’s Unheard Voices writer development programme.

3. Sherman Theatre Associate Artist Patricia Logue directs this world premiere production, returning to the Sherman following her hugely acclaimed production of Katherine Chandler’s Lose Yourself in 2019.

4. Designer Stella-Jane Odoemelam transforms the Studio spectacularly into the fading grandeur of the Great House.

5. Whilst The Women of Llanrumney depicts much horror and pain, there is humour and wit to be found amongst the cruelty and brutality in Azuka Oforka’s extraordinary play.

Seating in the Studio is unreserved. Choose Your Price allows you to select how much you would like to pay for your seat.

23 May, 7.30pm: Captions by Erika James
29 May, 7.30pm: audio description by Michelle Perez. Audio Flyer
29 May, 6.45pm: Touch Tour. To book a spot, please contact Sherman Theatre Box Office on 029 2064 6900
30 May, 2pm: Captions by Erika James
30 May, 7.30pm: BSL interpretation by Nikki Champagnie Harris. BSL trailer (pre- and post-show support by Claire Anderson)

Additional support will be available from our Wellbeing Facilitators, Ndidi Spencer and Mo Jannah, in a designated area in the foyer following performances on 29 and 30 May. This provision is for anyone would like someone to talk to or finds the material in the play particularly challenging.