UK Theatre Network

I am one of them. I am human. They are human.

Forget that and you’ve lost your humanity.

  The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was a disaster that had a hugely damaging effect on ecosystems in the affected areas, as well as on the fishing and tourism industries. There was an outcry in the media and the western world. Receiving somewhat less attention is the environmental outrage that has been inflicted on the Niger Delta over the past 50 years. Though exact figures are hard to come by, because oil companies and the Nigerian government tend to be secretive about oil spills, a study conducted by WWF UK, the World Conservation Union, and Nigerian representatives found that up to 1.5 million tonnes of oil had been spilled in the area over the preceding 50 years. This is 50 times the amount spilled in the Exxon Valdez disaster in Alaska. The delta is now one of the most polluted spots in the world. Over two generations, life expectancy in the region's rural communities has fallen to just over 40 years. Yet nobody seems to care.

In his important play Another Biafra writer-director and actor Anthony Abuah tries to raise awareness for the plight of the Niger-Delta people. The play was first performed at The Cockpit in July 2010, where it was awarded The Ogeyinka Merit Award for Excellence given to artists of African origin.

Set in Warri, Nigeria, where multi-national oil corporations reside amidst immense poverty and soil pollution, Eric Roberts is an idealistic journalist who travels between the UK and Nigeria covering local news and interviewing leading political figures for his TV show “Hard Talk.” The play begins with an interview of the unbearably self-righteous Nigerian president who does not consider oil drilling a cause of environmental problems and justifies the release of a corrupt official who was bribed by the oil companies: “He was not guilty so he was free to go.” Now the President is planning an amnesty for the militant leaders of MEND, an organization fighting for the independence of the Niger Delta by killing soldiers and kidnapping foreign oil workers.

Apori, a local leader who provides education for former militants risks his life and limb to improve the situation of his people in the Delta. A former militant he turned to non-violent resistance when he met his wife-to-be Uwa. Although he is highly critical of the “amnesty show” that the government puts on to undermine MEND he sees it as the perfect opportunity for a protest rally to get media attention. Uwa does not agree with his path to certain martyrdom.

Abuah’s fascinating play discusses many important issues and paints a bleak picture of western passivity. The production is perfectly cast with excellent performances by Daniel Simpson as the idealistic journalist, Anthony Abuah as the dedicated Apori, and Marlene Nwoye as his concerned wife. Onosky Ujorha is brilliant as the pompous president and David France displays the charm of a crocodile as the arrogant CEO of Shell Nigeria.

Till 20 February, Tue – Sun 7.30 pm, Sat and Sun matinee 3.00 pm

Tickets: £ 12 / £ 10 (concessions)

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