African Stew

by Lisa B. Thompson

What happens when an African American middle class woman and a wealthy Nigerian immigrant man, meet, fall in love and decide to marry after only knowing each other for six months? What will their parents think of this cross class, intercultural and transcontinental union? In AFRICAN STEW these characters come together for a meal in Oakland, California that highlights the pleasures and dangers of loving and...

What happens when an African American middle class woman and a wealthy Nigerian immigrant man, meet, fall in love and decide to marry after only knowing each other for six months? What will their parents think of this cross class, intercultural and transcontinental union? In AFRICAN STEW these characters come together for a meal in Oakland, California that highlights the pleasures and dangers of loving and misunderstanding in the Black Diaspora.

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African Stew

Recommended by

  • Playwrights Foundation: African Stew by Lisa B. Thompson
    “

    The community of national and local readers for the Bay Area Playwrights Festival in 2021 enthusiastically recommends DINNER as a Semi-Finalist at Playwrights Foundation out of 755 plays. We were deeply moved and thoroughly enjoyed the conversations this piece raises about the cultural differences in diasporic communities. Our readers described it as immensely fun! We hope this play is widely read, finds dedicated collaborators, and moves swiftly towards production. #BAPF2021

    The community of national and local readers for the Bay Area Playwrights Festival in 2021 enthusiastically recommends DINNER as a Semi-Finalist at Playwrights Foundation out of 755 plays. We were deeply moved and thoroughly enjoyed the conversations this piece raises about the cultural differences in diasporic communities. Our readers described it as immensely fun! We hope this play is widely read, finds dedicated collaborators, and moves swiftly towards production. #BAPF2021

    ”
  • Jelisa Jay Robinson: African Stew by Lisa B. Thompson
    “

    I loved reading this play! It was funny, heartfelt and honest. It touched on some real topics between people in the diaspora. I can't wait to see this honest play on the stage.

    I loved reading this play! It was funny, heartfelt and honest. It touched on some real topics between people in the diaspora. I can't wait to see this honest play on the stage.

    ”
  • Jeanette Hill: African Stew by Lisa B. Thompson
    “

    I absolutely adored this play. It would be a delight to see come to life on the stage. It is a wonderful blend of love, culture, class and family. (I even picked up a few new words and recipes along the way. )

    I absolutely adored this play. It would be a delight to see come to life on the stage. It is a wonderful blend of love, culture, class and family. (I even picked up a few new words and recipes along the way. )

    ”
Jennifer “Jenny” Lawson: early 30s African American woman. Attended private school and summers on Martha’s Vineyard. Stanford Anthropology doctoral student.

Akintunde “Ken” “Tunde” Ogunde: mid to late 30s Nigerian (Yoruba) man. Jennifer’s fiancé. A resident at Stanford’s School of Medicine. Raised shuttling between London and Lagos. Slight British or Nigerian accent.

Babatunde “Baba” Ogunde: early 60s Nigerian (Yoruba), from Ibadan. Ken’s father. An oil company executive. Slight British or Nigerian accent. Lives in London and Lagos.

Titilola “Lola” Ogunde: late 50s, Nigerian (half Yoruba and half Igbo) woman. Ken’s mother. A boutique owner. Nigerian accent.

Harold “Harry” Lawson: late 50s, African American man. Jennifer’s father. Working class origins in San Francisco. Partner in a law firm.

Diana “Didi” Lawson: mid 50s, African American woman, Jennifer’s mother. Black bookstore owner from New Orleans middle class but embraces an Afro-centric style. Wears African inspired clothing, and locks or braids.

Patricia “Trish” Lopez: early 30s, Afro-Latina lesbian. Jennifer’s best friend. Hood princess. Graduate student at Stanford Business school.

Development History

  • Reading, The New School, 2023
  • Reading, Crossroads Theatre Company, 2020
  • Reading, Hyde Park Theatre, 2018

Awards

  • Hyde Park Theatre Workshop
    Hyde Park Theatre
    Finalist
    2018