On the 5th of January 2025, Banna Desta, delivered a stirring new work with her audio drama, The Abyssinians. Desta is an acclaimed playwright with a passion for illuminating untold African histories. Released on Audible, the production explores the ancient Aksumite Empire, weaving historical facts with a gripping tale of power, love, and humanity.
Set in the 5th century, The Abyssinians unfold within the Kingdom of Aksum, a once-thriving empire that spanned modern-day Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, and parts of Arabia. Renowned for its influence, Aksum was a hub of trade, innovation, and culture. It held its place among the world’s greatest powers alongside Rome, Persia, and China.
In crafting the play, Desta aimed to showcase a time before colonialism when African societies flourished. “I wanted to give audiences an entertaining story while deepening their understanding of Africa,” she shared.
The play’s protagonist, Queen Yodit, is a complicated, cunning ruler dealing with personal and political upheaval as she decides which of her twin sons will inherit the throne.
Desta was inspired by her heritage, her mother hails from Tigray, Ethiopia, and her father from Eritrea, regions at the heart of the ancient Aksumite Empire. “Exploring my ancestral lineage felt like the perfect starting point,” she noted, emphasizing her desire to delve into pre-colonial African history.
The production features a stellar lineup, including Bafta-nominated actress Danielle Deadwyler as Queen Yodit, Arsema Thomas of Queen Charlotte fame, and Tony Award winner André De Shields. The original score by Ethiopian-American musician DA Mekonnen and Andrew Orkin infuses the drama with a modern Ethio-jazz sound, balancing the ancient and contemporary.
Thomas’s character, Makeda, defies traditional stereotypes as a servant who dreams far beyond her station. “She’s a global thinker in a world constrained by hierarchy,” Desta remarked.
Queen Yodit’s sharp wit and emotional depth make her a standout character, offering a nuanced view of female leadership in antiquity. Through The Abyssinians, Desta portrays the full spectrum of human emotion—ambition, love, loss, and resilience.
