The Story⚡
Nollywood actor Deyemi Okanlawon steps into the role of General Aderemi, the Yoruba equivalent of Macbeth, in Crown of Blood, a new stage adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy performed in Yoruba and set in 19th-century Yorubaland.
Tell Me More
Crown of Blood is a co-production between Utopia Theatre and Sheffield Theatres, written by Oladipo Agboluaje and directed by Mojisola Kareem. It relocates Shakespeare’s story of ambition and betrayal to the civil wars of 19th-century Yorubaland, where prophecy, ritual, and ancestral legacy drive the narrative.
General Aderemi, a victorious warrior promoted to Field Marshall, learns from an oracle that he is destined to become king. Together with his wife Oyebisi, he pursues the throne through increasingly violent means. The production incorporates Yoruba storytelling traditions, live music, chants, and movement to explore themes of power, destiny, and sacrifice.
Deyemi Okanlawon, known for his work in Nollywood films and series, plays Aderemi opposite Kehinde Bankole as Oyebisi. The cast also includes Jude Akuwudike, Patrice Naiambana, Toyin Oshinaike, and Tope Tedela, among others.
The creative team features designer Kevin Jenkins, movement consultant Ben Wright, sound designer Rob Hart, lighting designer Alexandra Stafford, and co-composer/musical director Kayefi Osha.
The production was developed with support from the National Theatre’s Generate programme and follows Utopia Theatre’s previous collaboration with Sheffield Theatres on Death and the King’s Horseman.
Rehearsals are currently underway, with recent images showing the cast working on scenes and music.
In Summary
Crown of Blood premieres at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield from 2–7 February 2026, followed by performances at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry from 11–14 February 2026. The show includes accessibility options such as captioned, audio-described, and signed performances, and post-show talks at select venues.
Thanks for Reading.
Shockng.com covers the big creators and players in the African film/TV industry and how they do business.
Let’s be friends on Instagram @Shockafrica
