An Ancient African Game of Thrones Too Big for the Small Stage
16 years ago Creator/Director Shayla Hudson Williams was with her mother at the African History Museum in Washington DC. There she was inspired by the smallest exhibit that made reference to an epic time and story. It was at this moment that she discovered and chose her life’s work, to bring this mostly forgotten and hidden story to life for the world.
That story is that of the Kush Empire, the darker skinned ancient Africans that overthrew their Egyptian oppressors and ruled for nearly 100 years. The story of the Kush has been shrouded in mystery and mostly hidden for centuries. It is only now that scholars and archeologist are starting to piece together a more accurate picture of these great people. For years Shayla did extensive research pouring through books and archaeological reference to find a story that would make a great feature film. She encountered many dead ends as she would discover one family or story only to have to abandon the concept due to lack of information about them. Finally she uncovered the story of King Piye and his family the subject of The Lost Kings.
When coming to the stage with her partner Chris Molina and introducing the play, Shayla expresses to the audience that you must use your imagination for what is to come. The Cupcake Theater in Hollywood is a tiny venue. Most of the action takes place on a small square platform stage with an exit path stage left. There is a curtain back drop where for a few scenes characters enter and exit from the corner stage right. There is also a wooden ladder stage right that leads up to a tiny platform of only a few feet which hangs above the stage. On that platform sits the narrator who is mostly employed to describe the big scale battle sequences and scenes that would require crowds of people to which there are many.
In the climatic battle of the piece the Kushite city of the protagonists is under siege. I literally needed to close my eyes to picture the epic battle that includes elephants and other wild beasts hidden in underground cages to be unleashed on their unsuspecting attackers.
Although King Piye played well by Chaim Dunbar is the head of the royal family or House that gives us our point of view in Lost Kingdom, it is really the story of his General and sister Makeda played masterfully by actress Frances Domond.
At the opening of the story Makeda is wounded in a fierce battle in which she leads the Kushites in a sneak attack against the Egyptians which results in them seizing power and expanding their territory.
A true historical event that one archaeologist in the PBS special entitled “Rise of the Black Pharaohs”, was a real David and Goliath story.
Returning to the Kush kingdom after the battle Makeda is troubled and considers stepping down as General to settle down with her warrior husband Kibwe, played by Kevin Craig West and start a family. Frances and Kevin have a natural chemistry and this representation of black love and partnership is one of the gems that make up this piece.
The emotional high point of the play though happens about mid-way through as Makeda confronts her brother Shabaka played by Melvin Ward about his betrayal to the family. I could feel her pain as she confronts the reality of being betrayed by someone she has known and loved her entire life.
I do think though that the biggest missed opportunity of the work is with the character of Shabaka who turns out to be the villain of the piece. Shabaka is reminiscent of Iago from Othello. It’s a challenging proposition to portray a character who is at once loving brother and scheming traitor at the same time.
It is surmounting this challenge though that I think will unlock some of the greatest potential that lies at the heart of The Lost Kingdom.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the heart wrenching performance Narlyia Sterling as Subira who is tortured by the loss of her husband Mchumba played by a very entertaining Christian Broussard.
Also considering the budget they must have had to work with the costumes pretty amazing. Also impressive was the fight choreography which again had to take place in a very limited space.
I was thoroughly entertained by The Lost Kingdom. The Lost Kingdom in its current integration is very much a work in progress and it was easy for me to see and be excited about it’s potential as a big budget feature film, larger scale stage production or even TV series.
With the announcement of Disney/Marvels Black Panther Feature and the incredible success of FOX’s Empire I think the time is right for the emergence of projects like The Lost Kingdom.
#BlackGameofThrones #SwordandSoul #DemThrones
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