TWO dynamic women, a mirror and a wrinkle in time.
Tea with Ana and Virginia is a fictitious, musical meeting between two
queens: the formidable Elizabeth I of England and the proud Ana
Nzinga of Ndongo.
Elizabeth I fought off all suitors and repelled would-be invaders, proudly leading her country into a Golden Age. Ana Nzinga, a canny strategist and fierce warrior, rejected European imperial control, built an army of freed slaves, and played Dutch and Portuguese colonialists off against each other.
Each queen is supported by a musician representing English and African traditions and over the course of the show the music becomes a fusion of African and Tudor. As the play develops Virginia and Ana swap roles, so Virginia is played by a black actress and Ana by a white performer.
The play is funny and moving, and challenges racial and gender stereotypes. Expect wig swapping, brilliantly sumptuous costumes and great music.
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