BSR_S09E13 - The Half-God of Rainfall - Wilma

Broad Street Review, The Podcast

THE HALF-GOD OF RAINFALL

BY INUA ELLAMS
DIRECTED BY LINDSAY SMILING

February 11 – March 2, 2025

Nigerian-born British poet and playwright Inua Ellams blends Yoruba and Greek mythologies into an incredible story of a demigod-turned-NBA superstar in The Half-God of Rainfall. The epic poem follows a half-Nigerian mortal, half-Greek God named Demi, who possesses extraordinary powers yet is burdened by the expectations of his lineage. Demi’s powers grow as he leaves his West Nigerian village for the bright lights of the NBA, where he emerges as an all-world talent driven by passion, power, and destiny. Under the directorial vision of Wilma Co-Artistic Director Lindsay Smiling, (recently seen on stage in Fat Ham and My Mama and the Full-Scale Invasion) The Half-God of Rainfall features the HotHouse Acting Company and explores the intersection of patriarchy, imperialism, and American basketball.

Suli Holum (she/her) received a Helen Hayes nomination for her role in The Wilma’s My Mama and the Full Scale Invasion (co-produced with DC’s Woolly Mammoth Theatre Co). Co-Founder Pig Iron Theatre Company and Stein | Holum Projects (SHP). Awards: Drama Desk Award, TCG/Fox Resident Actor Fellowship, Barrymore Award, Independence Fellowship, NEFA Touring Grant. Solo performance: Chimera and The Wholehearted (SHP) presented by FringeArts, HERE/Under the Radar, La Jolla Playhouse, Center Theatre Group (LA), Z Space and The Gate (London). In development: The Woman Question, Pew supported commission for Peoples’ Light with HotHouse member Melanye Finister. Wilma: Romeo and Juliet, Dance Nation, Minor Character, Cherry Orchard, Twelfth Night. Off-Broadway: Hot and Throbbing (Signature Theater); Regional: Born Yesterday (Arena Stage); International: A Doll’s House (FringeArts/Oslo Opera House); TV/Film: Baby Grief, The Fourth Wall, Ghostlight, Law & Order SVU, Mare of Easttown.

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://wilmatheater.org/event/thehalfgodofrainfall/