Kehinde Bankole has joined the cast of “Anna Hibiscus’ Song,” a theatre production co-produced by Utopia Theatre and Sheffield Theatres in the UK.
This comes after her involvement in the Utopia Theatre Creative Hub Programme in 2020, which featured online courses, workshops, and events by African theatre experts.
The production praised her talent, noting her two Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) and her performances at venues like Shakespeare’s Globe, as well as her roles in acclaimed Nigerian films such as “Adire,” “Blood Sisters,” and “Sista” on Netflix and Amazon Prime.
In “Anna Hibiscus’ Song,” Bankole will play Auntie Jolie and the Storyteller.
The statement said:
“Her enormous talent has led to the portrayal of many roles at venues including Shakespeare’s Globe. She continues to make significant contributions to the growing world of cinema in Nigeria, starring in highly acclaimed blockbuster movies such as Adire, Blood Sisters and Sista on streaming platforms Netflix and Amazon Prime. Bankole’s numerous awards include Best Lead Actress at the AMVCA for her role in Adire. In Anna Hibiscus’ Song, she will play Auntie Jolie and Storyteller.”
Bankole expressed her excitement about joining the production, highlighting her passion for sharing African stories.
“Anna Hibiscus’ Song,” based on the 2011 book by Nigerian writer Atinuke, follows Anna Hibiscus, a girl so happy she seeks advice from her family on how to use her happiness.
The story explores themes of joy and family, drawing from a series of children’s books.
The cast includes Malick Bojang, Althea Burey, Dorthea Darby, Julius Obende, and Saskia Rose. The production will tour nine UK cities, beginning at Bristol Old Vic in August 2024 and concluding at Unicorn Theatre in London in October 2024, directed by Utopia Theatre’s artistic director, Mojisola Kareem.
