‘Esther’s Revenge’ kicks off UK Season 4 performance
By Editor
AWARD-WINNING Nigerian play Esther’s Revenge returns to the UK for summer tour by popular demand. Esther’s Revenge, the internationally acclaimed immersive play by Kenneth Uphopho, returns to the UK this summer with a powerful story of justice, gender violence, colonial injustice, and survival.
Inspired by the true story of Esther Ada Johnson, a Nigerian woman whose 1953 case in Lagos became a powerful story about abuse, betrayal, colonial injustice, and women’s survival, the production is performed by Bola Stephen-Atitebi and produced by Brenda Fashugba for Pawstudios Africa while Tola Ibeh serves as Production Manager. The play places the audience at the heart of the action, inviting them to sit as jury and decide Esther’s fate in a gripping and participatory theatre experience.
Originally developed through an experimental re-imagining of Esther’s experience through the court proceedings, Esther’s Revenge has since been performed globally in multiple locations, including the UK, US, South Africa, Nigeria, and at festivals such as the Brighton Fringe, Scarborough Fringe, Vrystaat Arts Festival, Bradford African Arts Festival, Leeds International African Arts Festival and the Lagos Fringe.
Director and writer of the show Kenneth Uphopho shared that “The performance of Esther’s Revenge has earned major recognitions, including the Brighton Fringe International Encore Series Award which culminated in a 3-week residency run at the SoHo Playhouse New York and a 2023 Off Fest nomination. It also received strong critical attention in a 2025 London Box Office review, which described Stephen-Atitebi’s performance as “heart-wrenching and often devastating.”
UK tour dates include the Africa Centre, London, as part of the celebrations for the 2026 edition of Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange, from 17–18 July. Bread & Roses Theatre, London, from 21–22 July. Alma Tavern & Theatre, Bristol, from 24–26 July. Impact Dance Studios, London, from 28–29 July and at Bradford African Festival, on 5 August.
A feature of the production is its post-show discussion with the creative team, alongside optional workshops focused on storytelling, gender representation, and identity. The production is suitable for audiences aged 16+ and is designed for theatres and unconventional spaces alike.
Performer and Associate Producer, Stephen-Atitebi noted that “Esther’s Revenge is a participatory work that explores race, colonialism, gender-based violence, sexual abuse, and social injustice. It has travelled widely and continues to resonate with audiences across cultures and communities.”
