**Reviving the Majesty of the Ancient Aksumite Empire through Audio Drama**

**Playwright Banna Desta delves into pre-colonial Africa with a fascinating audio drama exploring the reign of Queen Yodit and her twins amid the intriguing backdrop of the Aksumite Empire.**

In a captivating new audio drama, playwright Banna Desta brings attention to the once-flourishing Aksumite Empire, immersing listeners in the era of an increasingly tyrannical queen and her ambitious twin sons. Titled "The Abyssinians," this work aims to entertain while enlightening audiences about a powerful African civilization that has often been overshadowed by colonial narratives.

"The Abyssinians" is set in the 5th century, during the reign of the Aksumite Empire, a kingdom celebrated for its wealth and commerce, extending across what is now northern Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, southern Saudi Arabia, and western Yemen. Notably, Aksum is recognized for being the cradle of Christianity in Africa and for minting the continent's first coins. At its zenith, it was one of the world's great powers, alongside Persia, Rome, and China, playing a pivotal role in global trade networks.

Desta, who has personal ties to the region — her mother is from Tigray in northern Ethiopia and her father is Eritrean — felt a calling to engage with her heritage and illuminate pre-colonial history. She expressed a desire to create a narrative that challenges the conventional portrayal of Africa: "I wanted to write about a time when the continent wasn't plagued by colonialism and showcased thriving societies."

The play, released on Audible and directed by Shariffa Al, is a blend of tragedy and comedy, intertwining historical accuracy with creative imagination. It follows Queen Yodit as she grapples with the daunting decision of selecting her successor—her cunning twins, Kaleb or Negus—against the backdrop of social upheaval and clashing ideologies about religion and governance. Romance further complicates her reign, contributing to the thematic richness of the drama.

Portraying Queen Yodit is Danielle Deadwyler, who describes her character as "complex, regal, cunning, raw, sensual, and compelling." Yodit, a character inspired by the enigmatic historical figure known as Judith, is depicted as a dictatorial ruler, embodying both strength and vulnerability. Desta was motivated to explore a female leader's tumultuous narrative, noting, "I love the idea of a woman being a tyrant in this period of history."

Desta's intention to capture diverse human emotions found resonance in the words of writer James Baldwin, who viewed artists as emotional historians. She sought to delve into characters' personal struggles beyond their public personas, particularly Yodit, who battles feelings of neglect in her relationships.

Another noteworthy character is Makeda, played by Arsema Thomas, who defies conventional expectations while working in the royal household to alleviate her father's debts. Makeda showcases a desire to rise above the confines of her status, embodying a global, forward-thinking perspective.

Despite its setting in an ancient world, the dialogue of "The Abyssinians" resonates with contemporary sensitivities and situational humor. The plays' music, featuring an original Ethio-jazz score by Ethiopian-American DA Mekonnen and multi-instrumentalist Kibrom Birhane, further enhances its modern feel while drawing from ancient musical traditions.

Starring an impressive cast, including Tony-winner André De Shields, the production reflects Desta's commitment to authentically representing the black diaspora on stage. Actors such as Zainab Jah, Chukwudi Iwuji, and Phillip James Brannon add their remarkable talent to the production.

As Desta looks ahead, she expresses eagerness to adapt "The Abyssinians" for stage performance, potentially with the original cast, in hopes that it will inspire greater awareness of Africa's rich pre-colonial history.