The Search for the African Princess is the musical magical story of a young Black tweenager named Njema who does not want to learn about African history. She is proud to be Black but is tired of everyone trying to teach her about AFRI centricity. While playing with her friends one day Njema gets whisked away on a magical journey with Harambee the African Griot, where she learns the importance of Africa to all cultures and most importantly to her own culture.
This play is meant to be fun and rhythmical. The songs and chants are all acapella, but percussive instruments can be used combined with movement. These are the sights and sounds that appeal to young audiences. In the original production the characters wore brightly coloured African outfits. The actors can create a simple set using bright textiles. The songs and text create the mood. Picture beautiful mountains and trees and land in the African Continent. There are 54 countries to choose from. The World of this play is for you to imagine and bring to life.
Keywords: African History, Culture, Black History, Nova Scotia, Young Audiences, PK, Middle School, Africentric, Black and African Culture
Genre: Theatre for Young Audiences
Acts: 2
Run time: 43 minutes
Suitable for students 10+
Content notes: A Griot is a storyteller.
Cast size: 7 actors
Female roles: 7
Casting notes: This play was originally written for a young company for women of African descent in Nova Scotia. The cast should be Black/African/Afro Caribbean. Musical, rhythmical, youthful energy is needed from the cast who will portray Tweenagers (in the original the cast was between the ages of 16 – 25).