A Friendly Co Pro’
An urgent and deeply human portrait of a revolutionary icon, Afeni centres on the indomitable spirit of Afeni Shakur—Black Panther and mother of Tupac. When the US Government tried to silence the Panther 21 with 156 false charges, Afeni acted as her own legal defense against improbable odds…and won!
Edmonton actor Onika Henry makes her Winnipeg debut in this new script by Adam Bailey (All Hail Mrs. Satan). Critics and audiences have hailed the show as “overall absorbing,” a “stunning performance” and “densely packed, emotionally charged and inspirational.” In an era where we need revolutionaries, discover one of the originals. Witness a story where “empowerment and action is at the core.”
Such an amazing and important story! ❤️
This is an excellent show. Henry’s performance is top-notch and brings this true story to life in a captivating way on stage. Given the current political climate, its message is an important reminder of the precariousness of the judicial process under a government that seeks to control its country’s narrative. It also also an important reminder of the leadership role of women, and in this case a woman of colour, throughout history.
I was so amazed by the performance and the story line about Afeni and the Black Panther movement as it progressed. A friend of mine whose mother was in the California Black Panther movement kept nodding along as the story unfolded. She knew its history. I am glad we were there and I came out of there a wiser person.
Thanks to Onika Henry’s outstanding stage presence, “Afeni” makes you forget that this is a solo performance. The storytelling was exemplary and the story itself is an important narrative of perseverance, action, and community.
I highly recommend “Afeni,” even if you think storytelling shows aren’t something you’d enjoy.