The Homecoming Queen at Atlantic Theater Company is playwright Ngozi Anyanwu's stunning new play about a Nigerian woman who returns to her homeland after 15 years in the United States. Ngozi beautifully weaves complex themes of childhood trauma, family relationships, mental health, and Africa's relationship to the West all while keeping the story simple and extremely accessible. This is the kind of playwriting that gets the attention of grant committees!
The show features a powerful leading performance by Nigerian-American Mfonso Udofia, who carries the entire show on her shoulders and truly delivers. Awoye Timpo's transportive and lively direction has audience members on either side of the stage, ensuring intimate moments that almost make it feel like it's immersive theater.
Photos: Ahron R. Foster
Best part? Future megastar Mirirai Sithole, fresh off of last year's smash School Girls: Or, The African Mean Girls Play, proves once again she is an actress to look out for with a poignant performance that you'll remember for a long time.
The Homecoming Queen runs through February 18.