Her Portmanteau
On 19 August 2023, 2.30pm Almasi Collaborative Arts presented a staged reading of Her Portmanteau by Mfoniso Udofia at the Pavilion, Zimbabwe German Society. Marking Munashe Goromonzi’s directorial debut, the staged reading had the participation of new and experienced actors.
About Her Portmanteau
Decades after Abasiama first immigrated to America, the full impact of her decision to send away her daughter, erupts when Abasiama’s family is reunited. As Nigerian traditions clash with the realities of American life, Abasiama and her daughters must confront complex familial legacies that span time, geography, language and culture.
HER PORTMANTEAU was developed and created as part of I Am Soul- Playwright Residency Program at Dr. Barbara Ann Teer's National Black Theatre in Harlem, NYC.
HER PORTMANTEAU had its world premiere at New York Theatre Workshop, Jim Nicola, Artistic Director, Jeremy Blocker, Managing Director, in 2017 in association with The Playwright’s Realm.
The staged reading of Her Portmanteau is part of the Almasi staged reading series.
click above to watch
Cast
Charlene Mangweni-Furusa
Munyaradzi Guramatunhu
Min’enhle Mguni
Mitchell Kudzai Duma
Crew
Director - Munashe Goromonzi
Stage Manager - Prudence Kalipinde
Photographer - Simon deSwardt
Videographer - James Jemwa
Operations Manager - Kudakwashe Kanembirira
Programs Coordinator - Gideon Jeph Wabvuta
Associate Artistic Director - Zaza Muchemwa
Executive Artistic Director - Danai Gurira
Audience Reception
‘It was very interesting, and I really resonated with the play.’
- Panashe G.
‘It was good. I liked the use of a different language. It was almost as if I could hear it, though I did not know it.’
- Adler Mbofana
‘An amazing, staged reading that really shows that even in difficult situations there is always a trace back home.’
- Matidaishe Chiimba
‘A very interesting and visual piece. A very well-done job to the cast.’
- Gamuchirai Tom
‘The play was well directed, and the actors were able to take me on an emotional journey. Well done.’
- Takudzwa Ndangana
‘I loved it! The reading was seamless and very well acted.’
- Natasha Makoni
‘Amazing cast, did well and the script was well written.’
- Natalie Burutsa
‘It was well orchestrated, and the storyline was relatable to almost everyone in the audience.’
- Anna Manyika
Note from the Director
Telling stories for our shared humanity
By Munashe Goromonzi
“Through the lens of one family’s journey, we witness a vibrant tapestry of human emotions, struggles, and triumphs that shape our understanding of who we are and where we truly belong.”
Her Portmanteau by Mfoniso Udofia is a heart-rending exploration of the Nigerian-American experience and the intergenerational conflicts which arise from navigating the intersection of cultures, traditions, and personal histories. Through the lens of one family's journey, we witness a vibrant tapestry of human emotions, struggles, and triumphs that shape our understanding of who we are and where we truly belong. The play is a captivating exploration of the meaning of family, identity, and the migrant experience. The title itself holds metaphorical significance; encapsulating the multifaceted lives and emotional baggage carried by the characters.
Ms. Udofia delves into the complexities of cultural identity, intergenerational conflicts, and the pursuit of belonging. The play examines the challenges faced by Nigerian immigrants as they navigate their African roots within an American context. It also highlights the clash between traditional values and the desire for assimilation in the younger generation. Family, ambition and sacrifice play central roles; shedding light on the resilience of immigrant families, placed in limbo, as they shoulder the burdens of separation and alienation. The play examines gender roles and the challenges faced by Nigerian women in their pursuit of the self within/against societal norms.
The characters in "Her Portmanteau" are caught between two cultures; their Nigerian heritage and their experiences of the United States of America. The concept of a portmanteau as a blend of two compartments mirrors the identity and cultural hybridity explored in the play. It suggests the idea of emotional baggage and personal histories accompanying Abasiama, Iniabasi and Adiaha and how these influence their present relationships and interactions.
Ms. Udofia's skillful exploration of language highlights the complexities of human interaction and the barriers which result from acculturation and unspoken emotions. Language itself becomes a tool to explore the characters' inner conflicts; for them to celebrate a shared cultural heritage, and express desires for connection with each other and the two worlds they are from. It took me a great number of reading and rereading to understand how loud these unspoken emotions were, how the women are connected to each other even with the integration of a foreign language.
The rehearsal process for "Her Portmanteau" was a collaborative and transformative experience. From learning a new language to learning the characters and the not so beautiful world that they exist in. Alternative interpretations and possibilities were explored, and the actors' talents and personal stories intertwined with the script. As the actors embodied their characters, they brought forth their individual talents and interpretations, infusing the roles with authenticity and depth. The process saw to it to create a beautiful dance between the fictional world of the play and our lived realities. It was a testament to the power of storytelling, where the boundaries between the stage and reality blurred, and genuine emotions emerged.
Through "Her Portmanteau," the cast and crew learned the intricacies of the Ibibio language and valuable life lessons. Communication, collaboration, storytelling, and trust became the pillars of the journey. In sharing a Nigerian American story with the Zimbabwean public, who are not too alienated from the idea of migration, the experience underscored the interconnectedness of the human story. And the power which comes from honoring our shared humanity through telling important stories.