Programs The Merchant of Curamo - A Play Reading
Details
- Date:
Jul 10, 2025 - End Date:
Jul 10, 2025 - Time:
7:00PM - 9:00PM - Location:
The Africa Center
1280 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10029
United States (map)
The Merchant of Curamo: A Play Reading
On Thursday, July 10th at 7:00 PM, The Africa Center is proud to partner with African Theater, Inc. to present a staged reading of The Merchant of Curamo by Taiwo Aloba.
The Merchant of Curamo is an historical drama set in Lagos in 1856, a city at the crossroads of tradition and colonialism. At the center of the play is Efunroye Tinubu, a powerful and complex figure whose rise to prominence as a merchant and slave trader is shadowed by her fierce ambition, moral contradictions, and defiance of foreign control. As Lagos transforms under the encroaching shadow of British colonialism, Tinubu must navigate a landscape of shifting alliances and power struggles, with the fate of her people and her legacy hanging in the balance.
The staged reading is approximately 80 minutes. The reading will be followed by a moderated Q&A session with the play's director.
About the playwright
Founder and CEO of the African Theater, Inc., Taiwo Aloba, was born in Lagos, Nigeria. After graduating magna cum laude with her degree in Theater Arts and Music from the Lagos State University, Aloba moved to New York City to begin her career as a Theatermaker.
In 2021, Aloba founded the African Theater Inc. to maintain and develop African cultural traditions. Taiwo Aloba is an award-winning playwright, director, performer, visionary, and champion of African Arts. In August 2017, Aloba was awarded a certificate in Musical Theater from the New York Film Academy, New York; in 2020, she received her Master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
About African Theater, Inc.
African Theater Inc. is dedicated to promoting and preserving African cultural heritage through the performing arts. By showcasing original works, we aim to enrich the community's understanding of African narratives and foster appreciation for diverse artistic expressions. Our mission includes providing platforms for emerging artists and engaging audiences in meaningful cultural dialogues. To learn more, please visit www.africantheaterinc.org
Events are free and open to all. Registration does not guarantee entrance, so we recommend that you arrive early.