**Reviving Ancient Ethiopia: The Enigmatic Tale of Queen Yodit and Her Dynasty**

**Banna Desta's audio drama, "The Abyssinians," uncovers the story of Queen Yodit, a powerful yet tyrannical leader from 5th-century Ethiopia, revealing the intricacies of family loyalty and personal strife set against a rich historical backdrop.**

 

In the auditory tapestry of "The Abyssinians," playwright Banna Desta introduces audiences to a dynamic interpretation of a little-known ancient African civilization. Her audio drama centers around the compelling figure of Queen Yodit, portrayed by the talented Danielle Deadwyler, who brings the character's complexity to life through her portrayal of a regal, cunning, and unforgiving ruler.

Desta hopes to challenge perceptions and offer a fresh perspective on the rich history of Africa, particularly a time when it thrived free from colonial influence. "As well as wanting the audience to be entertained - because the play is good fun - I wanted to add another dimension to people's understanding of Africa," Desta expressed in a recent interview. The narrative unfolds in the Aksumite Empire during the 5th Century, a period marked by immense wealth and influence that occupied regions now known as northern Ethiopia and beyond.

Aksum's historical significance is manifold; it was not only a pioneer in early Christianity in Africa but also home to the continent's first minted coins. It thrived as a key trade hub, with its ships commanding the lucrative trade routes across the Red Sea. Desta lamented the absence of Aksum from global historical discourse, despite Ethiopia being one of the cradles of civilization. Her own heritage, rooted in both Eritrea and Ethiopia, propelled her to explore the ancient empire through the lens of her ancestry.

"The Abyssinians," released on Audible, is a tragicomedy that artfully intersects fact and fiction. The play chronicles the struggles of Queen Yodit as she is torn between deciding which of her twin sons, Kaleb or Negus, will ascend the throne, all while navigating the complexities of social upheaval and ideological clashes regarding religion and rights.

Danielle Deadwyler describes Yodit as a figure of considerable depth, navigating her role as a leader amid emotional turmoil. Inspired by historical accounts of the real Queen Yodit, who was shrouded in mystery and labeled as both tyrant and national figurehead, Desta was determined to explore the nuanced emotions behind leadership, particularly the loneliness and yearning that can accompany such power.

"I wanted to explore the full spectrum of human emotions—what the characters struggle with as individuals that have nothing to do with their public personas," Desta shared. Alongside Yodit is another character, Makeda, played by Arsema Thomas, who breaks away from stereotypical representations and embodies a voice of autonomy and ambition, adding another layer to the narrative.

Despite its historical context, the dialogue pulsates with contemporary relevance, laced with humor and wit that showcases Desta's keen awareness of modern storytelling. The production's original Ethio-jazz score, crafted by Ethiopian-American musician DA Mekonnen, enhances the experience by bridging the ancient with a contemporary soundscape.

Award-winning actor André De Shields, who plays Frumentius, the figure credited with introducing Christianity to Aksum, described his participation as an enlightening reconnection to a heritage woven with cultural significance. The diverse cast, comprising talents like Chukwudi Iwuji and Zainab Jah, reflects Desta's commitment to showcasing the rich heritage of the African diaspora.

As she aspires to present "The Abyssinians" on stage with the same cast, Desta’s mission extends beyond sheer entertainment. It aims to illuminate the intricacies of a society rich in history and emotion, deserving of recognition in the tapestry of global narratives.