Theatre Royal, York – Until 18th March 2022
Reviewed by Katie Goldsbrough
4****
Here’s What She Said to Me tells the story of 3 generations of African women trying to find the balance between their careers and their families, Each having to make the choice of marrying the man they love and raising a family, or having a successful career. As each battle with whether their decision was the right one, they pass on their knowledge and advice to the next generation. Written by Oladipo Agboluaje, Here’s What She Said to Me gives a unique insight into what it’s like to grow up in a time and place where men can have control over what their families do and women shouldn’t talk back to their fathers or husbands.
With the three actresses taking on the roles of Grandmother, mother and daughter we follow their journeys across two continents sharing in their joy, grief and tragedy as they look back on what could have been across the decades.
Beginning with Agbeke played by Anni Domingo we learn of her struggles in her marriage after she successfully gets a scholarship to study in England. We then move on to Omotola played by Oyin Orija who at times struggles to take her mother’s advice and come to terms with the abuse she suffers as a child. Finally, we learn of Aramide played by Lola May who wants to have it all and build her own business in Nigeria where her family is from as well as having a romantic relationship. All three portray multiple characters as we hear their stories, effortlessly moving from one to the other. They all have excellent abilities and a special mention must go to musician Ayan De First who accompanies the story with traditional African music throughout.
This story is one that deserves to be told, presented by Utopia Theatre who are a prominent voice in African Theatre, encouraging authentic and minimising stereotypes.
If you get chance I would recommend giving this a go. It gives a great insight into a world a lot of people in the West have little experience of, showing how strong women can be and the difficulties they may face.