Queen Arawelo of Somalia

Producing a new play based on Somalia's most notorious Warrior Queen- Arawelo. In feudal nomadic Somali- the first East African feminist was born!

Who are we?

We are a group of university students from across the UK and internationally, we are working together to create a new library service in Somalia. We want to give as many people in Somalia access to library services and information. Access to libraries is an incredibly limited opportunity as there are only a few libraries in the ENTIRE country! We want to change this fact, we want to support local communities manage library services by giving the support they need to create libraries.

What?

We are working on retelling one of the most famous Somali folklore using traditional performing arts and incorporating traditional story telling techniques. Somali's are well known for their oral traditions and amazing skills in poetry. Somali culture has a wealth of beauty to explore and experience to the novice. With energetic dance rituals to soul enriching poetry.

Why?

We want to share with the British community the deep culture and history of the Somali and demonstrate that we are not and will not let current affairs of negative media coverage define us as a people and what we stand for. We want to share with our audience an insight into what the Somali people identify as representing them.

We want to tell the story of our people as their history has formed them and not as defined by post colonialist definitions of Somali History. Our story didn't begin when the colonists landed on our shores. We were not discovered, where already there.

How?

We will tell the story of Arawelo the Queen of Somali, born in feudal Somalia. Her story is one shrouded in mystery and myths. Some say she is just a mythical legend whilst other argue her case as a living legend. Either way they all agree on one thing, she was a pioneer in female empowerment, and a castrator of men. A femme fatale with a deadly aim, a bad-ass warrior Queen who brought peace to her kingdom.

The production will showcase a range of Somali dances, music, poetry, traditional customs, nomadic stage props.

In order for our project to introduce Somali culture to the British community we will open our auditions for anyone who is of the black community to portray the characters.

This play will be produced to help raise much needed funds to support the development of Somalia. The Queen of Sheba International, was founded to support developmental aid of Somali in the education sector. We want to create library services that meet the need of the Somali population and improve their quality of life. We are working on a not for profit bases, we work to incorporate ethical and sustainable principles in all of our fundraising projects. Because our core principles are being ethical, sustainable and transparent.

How will the funds contribute to overall project?

We will use the money raised to buy:

1) Pros, customs, make-up,

2) Transportation of props

3) Towards hiring a venu