Stage adaptation of NoViolet Bulawayo’s ‘We Need New Names’ set for premiere this week

A stage adaptation of Zimbabwean novelist NoViolet Bulawayo’s critically acclaimed book We Need New Names is set to gave its stage adaptation debut this week.

According to stagechat, it has been adapted for stage by fellow Zimbabwean Mufaro Makubika (SHEBEEN, Alfred Fagon Award winner).

The play will be performed by a six-strong cast, marking a first time collaboration between East Midlands’ companies Fifth Word and New Perspectives.

Those on the cast include Lukwesa Mwamba (as Darling), Munashe Chirisa, Anashe Danai and Kalungi Ssebandeke.

It is directed by Directed by Monique Touko with design by Ingrid Hu, lighting by Adam King, music by Tendai Humphrey Sitima, sound by Ed Lewis and movement by Ricardo Da Silva.

The production opens at Brixton House (28 April – 6 May) before touring to Oxford, Derby, Manchester, Newcastle, Peterborough, Bristol, Sheffield and finishing in New Perspective’s home city Nottingham (9 – 10 June)

The book was nominated for a Booker Prize in 2023, the first by a Zimbabwean and a black African woman at that.