Bringing a tyrannical Ethiopian queen and her twins to life

The Abyssinians is a new audio drama that brings to life the story of a powerful queen from ancient Ethiopia, Queen Yodit. The role of Yodit is played by actress Danielle Deadwyler, who describes her character as regal, cunning, and sensual. The play is written by Banna Desta, who aims to entertain the audience while also providing a deeper understanding of Africa's rich history. Desta explains, 'I wanted to write about a time when the continent wasn't afflicted by colonialism and there were thriving societies. ' The story is set in the 5th Century within the Aksumite Empire, a significant kingdom that was known for its wealth and influence. The Aksumite Empire lasted nearly 1,000 years, from around 100 BC to AD 960, and was a crucial center for trade and the introduction of Christianity to Africa. Desta emphasizes that Ethiopia is often overlooked in discussions about global history, stating, 'Ethiopia is a cradle of civilization - and yet I feel that it is never really included in our understanding of global history. ' The Aksumite Empire was once considered one of the world's four great powers, alongside Persia, Rome, and China. Desta feels that Aksum is often excluded from this narrative, and she wants to highlight its importance. Her personal connection to this history stems from her family background; her mother is from Tigray in northern Ethiopia, and her father is from Eritrea, both regions that were central to the Aksumite Empire. The Abyssinians is Desta's first audio play, and it combines historical facts with her creative imagination. The story revolves around Queen Yodit as she faces the challenge of deciding which of her twin sons, Kaleb or Negus, will inherit the throne. This decision comes at a time of social and economic upheaval, as well as conflicting beliefs about religion and rights. The play also explores themes of romance and personal struggle. Deadwyler describes Yodit as a complex character who is both powerful and vulnerable. The character is loosely based on the historical figure of Queen Yodit, who is shrouded in mystery due to limited historical records and varying folklore. Some view her as a tyrant who played a role in the decline of Aksum, which inspired Desta to create a character that challenges traditional portrayals of female leaders. Desta believes that female characters in history often have to fit a specific mold, and she wanted to explore the idea of a woman who is a tyrant during this historical period. The play also features a character named Makeda, played by Arsema Thomas, who breaks stereotypes by being a servant with big dreams and the ability to think for herself. Despite being set in ancient times, the dialogue in The Abyssinians feels modern and relatable, with humor woven throughout the story. The production includes an original Ethio-jazz score by Ethiopian-American musician DA Mekonnen and multi-instrumentalist Kibrom Birhane, which enhances the play's tone and atmosphere. The music reflects the ancient qualities of Ethiopian culture while incorporating contemporary elements. The cast features talented actors, including André De Shields, who plays Frumentius, the bishop who introduces Christianity to the kingdom. De Shields describes his experience in The Abyssinians as an opportunity to reconnect with his cultural roots and highlights the transformative power of art. Desta was determined to have actors from the black diaspora portray the characters, ensuring authenticity in the storytelling. The cast also includes award-winning actress Zainab Jah and Chukwudi Iwuji, who has a background with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Desta expresses her gratitude for the incredible talent involved in the production and hopes to bring The Abyssinians to the stage in the future with the same cast.