Letitia Wright will play the role of Jekesai/Ester in the Young Vic production of Black Panther co-star, and Tony-nominated writer Danai Gurira’s The Convert.
She is cast alongside Paapa Essiedu (RSC Hamlet) who plays Chilford, and Ivanno Jeremiah (Humans) taking on the role of Chancellor.
Further casting includes: Jude Akuwudike (Uncle); Rudolphe Mdlongwa (Tamba); Pamela Nomvete (Mai Tamba). The casting of the role of Prudence will be announced at a later date.
Directed by Ola Ince The Convert, set in 1896 in what is modern day Zimbabwe, explores if faith has a cost and if so, when that cost is too much. Jekesai, a young Shona woman fleeing forced marriage finds herself working for devout Catholic priest, Chilford. He relishes the opportunity to shape his new convert but Jekesai’s salvation has a price.
The Convert will run at the Young Vic from 7 Dec - 26 Jan 2019. Limited tickets are available from £10.
Photo credit: Kwaku Alston
