Setting the Stage – Myths, Masculinity, and Basketball with Inua Ellams

How do myths shape our understanding of masculinity, power, and sport? In this premiere episode of Wilma Theatercast, hosts Dwight Dunston and Toby Fraser dive into the world of The Half-God of Rainfall with its creator, Inua Ellams. This genre-defying play blends Yoruba mythology, Greek gods, and the raw energy of basketball to tell a story of gods, grief, and generational resilience.

In this conversation, Inua shares his artistic journey, the intersections of poetry and playwriting, and the challenges of writing about complex themes like gender, violence, and cultural memory. From flaming basketballs to hip-hop’s influence on his storytelling, this episode explores how language, rhythm, and performance create a mythic world that speaks to today’s audiences.

Guest: Inua Ellams
Born in Nigeria and based in London, Inua Ellams is a poet, playwright, and performer whose work spans theatre, literature, and visual art. His plays include Barber Shop Chronicles, Three Sisters, and The Half-God of Rainfall. He is the founder of The Midnight Run and R.A.P Party and has received numerous honors, including an MBE for Services to the Arts. His work explores themes of identity, migration, and masculinity with a poetic and political lens.

Resources & References from the Episode:

📖 Books & Plays by Inua Ellams: https://www.inuaellams.com/

• The Half-God of Rainfall 
• Barber Shop Chronicles 
• The Actual (Poetry Collection)

🎭 Influences & Themes Discussed:

• Yoruba & Greek Mythology 
• Basketball & Storytelling 
• The Power of Hip-Hop & Poetry in Theater 
  
  

🎤 Other Works & Events by Inua Ellams:

• The Midnight Run – A creative, city-based adventure: https://www.themidnightrun.com/
• R.A.P Party – A poetry and hip-hop fusion: https://www.inuaellams.com/the-rap-party/

🎟️ The Half-God of Rainfall is playing at The Wilma Theater live in Philadelphia from February 11th – March 2nd, 2025, and streaming for a limited time in March. Visit WilmaTheater.org for tickets and more information.

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@wilmatheater

🎭 The Tony Award-winning Wilma Theater joyfully produces the Wilma Theatercast as part of our Accessible Productions Initiative. This program brings community partners into the rehearsal process and invites them to respond creatively to the work. This program is made possible with support from the William Penn Foundation.