“Moving and powerful.” —The New York Times

“A masterfully written drama…[it] defies preconceptions and expectations….” —Los Angeles Times

Her Portmanteau is an explosive story of betrayal and forgiveness, centering on a Nigerian mother in the U.S. and her two daughters who lived very different lives. A reunion forces them to reconcile their past, full of clashing traditions and a family legacy that spans time, culture and generations.

Her Portmanteau is one of an acclaimed nine-part play cycle by Massachusetts-raised and Wellesley-educated playwright Mfoniso Udofia. Growing up in Southbridge, Udofia rarely saw stories about Africans and African Americans that felt like her family, so she set out to create a richly textured, emotionally engrossing series of plays that follow one family through three generations. While each play stands alone, together they form a tapestry of stories that resonate with everyone.

This show is part of a city-wide festival where co-producers Central Square Theater and Front Porch Arts Collective join with theaters around Greater Boston to produce Udofia’s Ufot Family Cycle in partnership with universities, social organizations, nonprofits and community activation partners.

HER PORTMANTEAU
By Mfoniso Udofia
Directed by Tasia A. Jones
March 27 – April 20, 2025
Co-produced with Front Porch Arts Collective

Interested in bringing your school to see Her Portmanteau? Student matinees are scheduled for Friday, April 4th and Thursday, April 10th. Reserve your tickets for our student matinees today.