Playwright Banna Desta has unveiled a compelling audio drama, The Abyssinians, shedding light on the ancient Aksumite Empire through the lens of a tyrannical queen, her twin sons, and a world in flux.
Released on Audible and directed by Shariffa Al, the tragicomedy intertwines historical depth with imaginative storytelling, bringing to life a pre-colonial African civilization often overlooked in global history.
Exploring the Aksumite Empire
Set in the 5th century, The Abyssinians draws from the rich history of the Aksumite Empire, a powerful monarchy that spanned present-day Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, and parts of the Arabian Peninsula.
Known for its influence over Red Sea trade, early Christian adoption, and the continent’s first coinage, Aksum was regarded as one of the world’s four great powers in the third century.
“I wanted to write about a time when Africa wasn’t afflicted by colonialism and had thriving societies,” Desta told the BBC.
For the US-born playwright, whose parents hail from Tigray and Eritrea—regions at the heart of Aksum—this project was both a personal and artistic exploration.
“The impulse was really just wanting to learn more about a pre-colonial era,” Desta explained. “I thought a wonderful place to start is my own heritage and ancestral lineage.”
Queen Yodit: A Complex and Relatable Tyrant
The drama’s central figure, Queen Yodit, loosely inspired by the enigmatic Queen Judith, is brought to life by Bafta-nominated actress Danielle Deadwyler.
Yodit’s character balances cunning, sensuality, and vulnerability as she faces familial betrayal, societal upheaval, and the pressure of leadership.
“A lot of her reactions to the world come from not feeling cherished or having a place,” Desta said. This nuanced portrayal challenges the archetype of female leaders needing to be flawless, offering instead a tyrannical yet relatable queen navigating immense change.
The story also introduces Makeda, played by Arsema Thomas of Queen Charlotte fame. A servant with aspirations beyond her station, Makeda represents resilience and ambition in a rigid social hierarchy.
A Fusion of Modernity and Antiquity
While grounded in antiquity, The Abyssinians feels strikingly contemporary, blending dry humor and sharp dialogue with an original Ethio-jazz score by Ethiopian-American musician DA Mekonnen and Andrew Orkin.
The music captures the play’s ancient-modern dichotomy, featuring multi-instrumentalist Kibrom Birhane’s evocative contributions.
“The score parallels the tone of the play,” Desta explained. “Ethiopian music has that ancient quality, and jazz adds a contemporary spin.”
The production’s ensemble includes Tony-winner André De Shields, Zainab Jah, Chukwudi Iwuji, and Phillip James Brannon, ensuring authentic representation from actors of the Black diaspora.
The Power of Art and Representation
For Desta, casting Black actors was essential. “The talent was amazing,” she said. “I know that doesn’t happen for many early playwrights, so I’m especially grateful.”
Echoing James Baldwin’s sentiment that artists are “spiritual historians,” Desta’s play captures the human complexities of its characters while reimagining a pivotal era in African history.
Next, Desta aims to adapt The Abyssinians for the stage, with hopes of reuniting the original cast.
