The Women of Llanrumney, Azuka Oforka’s devastating historical drama set in the Llanrumney sugar plantation in 18th century Jamaica, will be performed at Stratford East in London before returning to Sherman Theatre this Spring.
Back by popular demand, the 2025 co-production follows a sell-out original Sherman Theatre production which was performed in Cardiff May-June 2024 and which drew rave reviews (★★★★★ “marks Oforka as an urgent and important voice in Welsh theatre” The Guardian). The play transfers to Stratford East 19 March-12 April 2025 before returning to the Cardiff theatre 26 April-10 May 2025.
The Llanrumney plantation was founded by enslaver Sir Henry Morgan, who was originally from Llanrumney in Cardiff – hence its name – in the late 1600s. Seeing a portrait of him in Cardiff inspired Azuka to explore the consequences and legacy of Morgan’s role as an enslaver. The Women of Llanrumney sheds light on this hidden chapter of Welsh history and explores the experience of women during slavery; those who benefited from it, those who were brutalised by it and those who fought to destroy it.
1765. Cerys and her mother Annie are enslaved by the wealthy Morgan family from Wales. Their future hangs in the balance when Elizabeth Morgan is faced with losing her plantation. Fearing what could lie ahead, Annie does everything she can to secure her position in the Great House. But sooner or later, with a storm of rebellion building, Annie will have to face up to the horror and trauma all around her, including her own.
Returning to their roles this year will be Sherman Theatre Associate Artist Suzanne Packer as the slave Annie, Nia Roberts as Elizabeth Morgan, a fictional descendant of Henry Morgan, and Matthew Gravelle as Simon Taylor and other roles. Shvorne Marks joins the cast, playing Annie’s daughter Cerys.
The original creative team returns; Sherman Theatre Associate Artist Patricia Logue as Director, Set & Costume Designer Stella-Jane Odoemelam, Lighting Designer Andy Pike, Composer Takisha Sargent and Sound Designer Ian Barnard.
The Women of Llanrumney
by Azuka Oforka
Presented by Stratford East and Sherman Theatre
Originally produced by Sherman Theatre
Directed by Patricia Logue
Set & Costume Designer Stella-Jane Odoemelam
Lighting Designer Andy Pike
Composer Takisha Sargent
Sound Designer Ian Barnard
Cast: Suzanne Packer, Nia Roberts, Matthew Gravelle and Shvorne Marks
19 March-12 April 2025
Gerry Raffles Square
Stratford, London, E15 1BN
26 April-10 May 2024
Senghennydd Road
Cardiff, CF24 4YE
Sherman Theatre
Imagine a world made more equitable, more compassionate, more unified by the power of theatre. We are driven to achieve this vision every day. We do this by creating and curating shared live theatre experiences that inspire people from all backgrounds across South Wales to make a better world, in their own way. We believe that access to creativity and self-expression is a right and we constantly strive to ensure everyone has the opportunity to be enriched by the art of theatre.
Our focus on the development and production of new writing and on nurturing Welsh and Wales-based artists makes us the engine room of Welsh theatre. We tell Welsh stories with global resonance through our Made at Sherman productions, created under our roof right here in the heart of Cardiff. We’re a place for everyone, generating opportunities for the citizens of South Wales to connect with theatre through inspiring and visionary engagement.
We are Stratford East. We’re here to push boundaries, champion talent and create hard-hitting shows in the beating heart of East London. We’re here to move you, excite you and keep theatre open for all.
We have been telling stories since 1884. Many leading actors, writers and directors have been part of the family including Meera Syal, Barbara Windsor, Don Warrington, Indhu
Rubasingham, Tanika Gupta, Roy Williams, and Cynthia Erivo.
Stratford East is known for presenting a bold programme of reimagined classics, timely revivals, and ground-breaking new work and is currently celebrating its 140th Anniversary.
New Artistic Director and Co-CEO Lisa Spirling’s first season of work will be announced soon. Hanna Streeter takes up the role of Executive Director and Co-CEO from July 2025.
