UNDER THE KUNDÈ TREE
Written by Clarisse Makundul
Directed by Ebenezer Bamgboye
With by Selina Jones, Fode Simbo, Amma-Afi Osei, Yinka Awoni and Clarisse Makundul.
Set and Costume Design Niall McKeever
Lighting Design Arnim Friess
Sound Design Max Pappenheim
Movement Director Rose Ryan
Dramaturgs Gregoire Colin & Laure Bachelier-Mazon
Costume Supervisor Natalia Alvarez
Stage Manager Olivia Wolfenden
Production Manager Adam Jefferys
Videography Michael-David McKernan
Production Photography Steve Gregson
Rehearsal Photography Elsie Lusty
NOMINATED FOR 1 OFF WEST END THEATRE AWARDS - Lead Performance (Selina Jones)
NOMINATED FOR THE BBTAS - Best Supporting Actor (Fode Simbo)
"A tremendous piece of theatre - vibrant, energetic and moving." The Reviews Hub
"A hypnotically beautiful five-hander. Highly recommended show." Fringe Review
"The cast of five – two men, three women – create powerful images of the brutality of war …which are deeply moving and hard to watch at times." ReviewsGate
"Full of stylistic invention and a uniformly strong cast.." The Guardian
"Montage of creativity and invention." The Stage
"A strong and emotional production." A Shiny Life for Me
"Under the Kundè Tree paints a vivid narrative on the different characters’ perspectives of freedom and delivers a powerful message." Operation Live Theatre
"A clear, engaging story performed by a strong cast." British Theatre Guide
"Awe-inspiring." GUAP
"A well-written script and excellent acting." London Unattached
Set in the 50s during the secret Cameroonian War of Independence, Under the Kundè Tree follows Sara, a young woman, struggling to strike a balance between her heart’s desire and the pressure to fulfil traditional familial obligations.
Tackling issues of colonialism, love, family, identity and freedom, this story explores themes of contemporary relevance, whilst reading an overlooked and often unknown period of history.
Under the Kundè Tree is the only production in the UK to explore the Cameroonian Independence War through the lens of women. The conflict is often called the ‘Hidden War’, as it never made global headlines and to this day isn’t taught in schools around the world. This show highlights this important moment in the decolonisation of Africa, and the history of Cameroon and its people.
This production is supported by the Arts Council England.
