Sankofa: Before the Whitewash

In summer 2022, I produced the R&D of Sankofa: Before the Whitewash by Abena Essah, supported by the Roundhouse Resident Artist programme, Canada Water Theatre and Arts Council England.

Sankofa: Before the Whitewash is an exploration of the rich queer African ancestry that existed in Pan-Africa before Chattel Slavery and colonialisation. With a specific focus on Ghana, it challenges the false notion that queerness is un-African.

Abena is a queer black young person who is facing transphobia and homophobia in their home life when one night, they are visited by the Ghanaian god of stories, Ananse. Together they travel across time and space so Ananse can show Abena the truth about what has always been.

Abena Essah, is a multidisciplinary artist based in London, a poet, musician, actor and creative of many hats. Their poetry often explores personal identity focusing on intersections of their queer identity, music, Ghanaian heritage and untold black history.

Creative Team

Abena Essah: writer, co-director, performance (ABENA)
Michelle Tiwo: ANANSI/DAD
Princess Bestman: AMA/MUM
Sian Ejiwunmi-Le Berre: co-director
Rebeka Murrell: co-director
Robert Awosusi: dramaturg
Xana: sound designer
Cheng Keng: video & projection designer
Malik Nasha Sharpe: movement director
Mica Taylor: stage manager
Mary Daphne: twi teacher/translator
Danielle DZA Ifakemi Osajivbe-Williams: Wellbeing Practitioner