This hilarious play with sharp wit and big heart spotlights the 1990s explosion of Nigeria’s film industry Nollywood.
San Francisco Playhouse opens its 2023-24 Season with the West Coast Premiere of the romantic comedy Nollywood Dreams. See photos of the production below.
Written by Ghanaian-American writer/performer Jocelyn Bioh (Jaja’s African Hair Braiding opening on Broadway this fall, School Girls; Or the African Mean Girls Play and the book of the musical Goddess), this hilarious play with sharp wit and big heart spotlights the 1990s explosion of Nigeria’s film industry Nollywood, which churned out films as the country contended with economic and political turmoil.
Aspiring ingenue Ayamma yearns for the glitz and glamor of movie stardom, landing an audition with Nollywood’s hottest director seeking a fresh face. Between cat fights with the resident diva, igniting sparks with Nigeria’s “Sexiest Man Born,” and talk show appearances with the Oprah of Lagos, Ayamma’s dreams of leaving her travel agency job behind for a thrilling life might just come true.
Directed by Bay Area theatre veteran Margo Hall, Nollywood Dreams will perform September 28 – November 4, 2023 (opening night: October 4) at San Francisco Playhouse, 450 Post Street. For tickets ($15-$100) and more information, the public may visit sfplayhouse.org or call the box office at 415-677-9596.
Photo Credit: Jessica Palopoli

Angel Adedokun, Tre'Vonne Bell, Anna Marie Sharpe

Tanika Baptiste, Trea??Vonne Bell

Brittany Nicole Sims, Angel Adedokun

Anna Marie Sharpe,Tre'Vonne Bell, Angel Adedokun, Jordan Covington

Jordan Covington, Tanika Baptiste

Angel Adedokun, Jordan Covington

Angel Adedokun, Jordan Covington, Tre'Vonne Bell

Angel Adedokun, Tre'Vonne Bell, Anna Marie Sharpe, Jordan Covington

Brittany Nicole Sims, Angel Adedokun, Jordan Covington

(Angel Adedokun, Brittany Nicole Sims
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