Nollywood actors Deyemi Okanlawon and Kehinde Bankole are leading a new stage production titled Crown of Blood, a Yoruba-language adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The play has already premiered and is drawing attention for its bold retelling of a classic story through Yoruba history, language, and performance traditions.
Set in 19th-century Yorubaland, Crown of Blood moves the story of ambition, power, and betrayal from medieval Scotland to a period marked by civil wars, spiritual beliefs, and shifting political power in the Yoruba region.
A Yoruba Retelling of a Classic Story
Crown of Blood is a co-production between Utopia Theatre and Sheffield Theatres. Written by Oladipo Agboluaje and directed by Mojisola Kareem, both acclaimed for their contributions to African and diaspora theatre.
In this adaptation, Macbeth becomes General Aderemi, a respected warrior who rises through the ranks after a major victory. His journey takes a dark turn when an oracle predicts that he will become king. Encouraged by his wife, Oyebisi, Aderemi begins a violent quest for the throne, driven by fear, ambition, and belief in destiny.
The production leans heavily on Yoruba storytelling styles. The play weaves in live drumming, chanting, dance, and ritual movement to capture its spiritual and cultural atmosphere. Through a distinctly Yoruba perspective, it delves into themes of power, sacrifice, fate, and moral choice, grounding the story in local history rather than borrowing from European theatre.
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Strong Performances Led by Okanlawon and Bankole
Deyemi Okanlawon takes on the role of General Aderemi, portraying his shift from an honourable soldier to a ruler consumed by power. His performance has been noted for its physicality and emotional control, showing how ambition slowly takes over his character.
Kehinde Bankole plays Oyebisi, the equivalent of Lady Macbeth. In this version, her character is given a deeper backstory. Oyebisi was once a princess who lost her status and freedom, and her desire for revenge fuels much of the plot. Bankole’s performance balances tenderness and strength, showing both vulnerability and determination as the story unfolds.
The supporting cast includes Jude Akuwudike, Patrice Naiambana, Toyin Oshinaike, and Tope Tedela. Together, they bring depth to the world of the play, supported by a community ensemble that adds energy through music and movement.
Creative Team, Performances, and Run Dates
The creative team behind Crown of Blood includes set and costume designer Kevin Jenkins, movement consultant Ben Wright, sound designer Rob Hart, lighting designer Alexandra Stafford, and co-composer and musical director Kayefi Osha. The stage design is minimal but symbolic, using simple props and colours to represent power, class, and division.
The production was developed with support from the National Theatre’s Generate programme. It also follows Utopia Theatre’s earlier collaboration with Sheffield Theatres on Death and the King’s Horseman, another adaptation rooted in Yoruba culture.
Crown of Blood premiered at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, where it will run from 2 to 7 February 2026. It will then move to the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry from 11 to 14 February 2026. The show includes captioned, audio-described, and signed performances, as well as post-show discussions at selected dates.
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Cultural Significance of the Production
Crown of Blood stands as another example of African stories and languages taking centre stage in global theatre spaces. By presenting Shakespeare’s Macbeth through Yoruba history and performance, the production shows how classic stories can be reinterpreted in ways that feel relevant and culturally grounded.
For Deyemi Okanlawon and Kehinde Bankole, the play also marks a significant moment in their stage careers, placing Nigerian actors at the heart of a major international theatre production.
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