Mmanwu

Mmanwu is a radio drama that delves into the complexities of maternal struggle, mental health, and the clash between tradition and modernity. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Onitsha, Nigeria, the story follows Ada, a young widow grappling with the overwhelming grief of losing her husband, Bayo. Seeking refuge from the weight of her grief and the overwhelming responsibilities of motherhood, Ada returns to her father, Eze, in Onitsha. A man deeply rooted in Nigerian traditions, Eze offers both solace and conflict, pushing Ada towards conventional methods of coping with loss and raising her young son Zane. This clash between generations and ideologies forms the core of the drama, highlighting the struggle between individual healing and cultural expectations. Through poignant dialogue, music and evocative sound design, Mmanwu explores the depths of Ada's grief and her attempts to hold onto the remnants of her past. Her interactions with her father are rife with cultural references and deeply resonate with themes of identity, loss, and the struggle for personal autonomy within the confines of tradition. The audience will be taken on an intimate journey through Ada’s struggles in a thought provoking and entertaining drama. Mmanwu was written and directed by Dagogo Hart. Produced, recorded and edited by Alan Meaney. Music and additional sounds by Adam Garrett. The cast were Esther James, Sodiq Ajibola, Yomi Ogunyemi and Timothy Orimolusi. The programme was funded by Coimisiún na Meán, with the Television Licence Fee. Mmanwu is adapted from a stage play to an audio drama by its writer and director Dagogo Hart. Development of the script started as part of the Rachel Baptiste programme in Smock Alley theatre in 2022, and also as part of a residency in the Fringe Lab in 2022. In 2023 it was programmed in the Fringe Festival and the production was co-funded by Fishamble new play company and Fringe Labs as part of the Big Ambitions project. It was staged in The New Theatre in September 2023.