Southern Africa, 1895: A young Shona girl escapes an arranged marriage by converting to Christianity, becoming a servant and student to an African Evangelical. As anti-European sentiments spread throughout the native population, she is forced to choose between her family’s traditions and her newfound faith. Danai Gurira’s (In the Continuum and TV’s The Walking Dead) rich play examines the cultural and religious clashes that shaped the post-colonial world, and are still being felt in Zimbabwe today.
Reviews
“[The Convert] is more a look at the ethics of self-preservation than a strident political tract. Sandberg-Zakian's fluid, unfussy direction, and the performances of a uniformly outstanding ensemble, do well to leave the audience with more questions than answers.”— The Boston Globe
“A searing but melodramatic end... Riveting... The Convert takes a bit of effort... But it's worth it.”— WBUR's The ARTery
“Supremely relevant right now in a world where immigrants and invading troops pour back and forth across the world's borders in search of freedom, identity, power, survival, acceptance. See it and understand.”— Joyce Kulhawik/JoycesChoices.com
Writer
- Danai Gurira Playwright
Director
- Megan Sandberg-Zakian Director
Cast
- Maurice Emmanuel Parent Chilford
- Paul S. Benford-Bruce Uncle
- Adobuere Ebiama Jekesai/Ester
- Nehassaiu deGannes Prudence
- Equiano Mosieri Chancellor
- Ricardy Charles Fabre Tamba
- Liana Asim Mai Tamba
Production
- Dominique D. Burford Stage Manager
- Jenna McFarland Lord Scenic Design
- Devorah Kengmana Lighting Designer
- Ariel Welch Assistant Stage Manager
- Kat Nakaji Properties Master
- Miranda Kau Giurleo Costume Designer
- Christine Hamel Dialect Designer
- Andrew Moss Fight Director
Additional Reading
The World of The Convert: A Brief History of Zimbabwe
This article is reprinted with permission from the world premiere production of The Convert at McCarter Theatre.
Interview with Danai Gurira
By Walter Bilderback, Wilma Theater Dramaturg.Reprinted with permission from the The Wilma Theater.
Another Interview with Danai Gurira
This article is reprinted with permission from the world premiere production of The Convert at McCarter Theatre.
The Convert Glossary
This article is reprinted with permission from the world premiere production of The Convert at McCarter Theatre.