PawStudios Africa Q&A
Q&A with PawStudios Africa
PawStudios Africa is not just a theatre company - it’s a bold, dynamic force in contemporary storytelling. Known for its fearless, socially engaged productions, the company explores how theatre can transform space, challenge the status quo and probe deeply into complex cultural and societal issues.
As a creative hub, PawStudios is also deeply committed to nurturing emerging talent. They provide vital opportunities for writers and artists from across the globe to develop their craft, build skills and grow as storytellers.
Their dedication to urgent, socially conscious work is powerfully reflected in their play ‘Esther’s Revenge’ - an immersive, participatory drama based on the real-life case of Esther Johnson. In 1953, Johnson, a Nigerian woman accused of murdering her abusive white partner, was sentenced to death by hanging. The play places audiences in the role of jurors, challenging them to confront themes of racial injustice, gender-based violence, sexual abuse and systemic inequality - and ultimately to decide whether or not to stay her execution.
I had the privilege of speaking with Bola Stephen-Atitebi and Kenneth Uphopho of PawStudios Africa before one of their shows to learn more about the vision driving their work, the process behind ‘Esther’s Revenge’ and the conversations they hope to ignite.
How did the concept for Esther’s Revenge come about?
PawStudios: The Lagos Fringe Festival venue - Freedom Park - was once Her Majesty's Broad Street Prison, where Esther Johnson was actually held. That location was the spark, there is a rich history there. Through research and consultation, we were able to gather a more accurate, nuanced account of the events. Until now, her story has been told through a narrow, racist, and patriarchal 1950s lens. We wanted to reclaim her narrative and present it from a place of empathy, truth and justice. We knew that Esther’s story was tragic and modern audiences would sympathise, but we also envisaged that it could be powerful too.
What makes this play so urgent for today’s audiences?
PawStudios: Because these issues haven’t gone away. Gender-based violence, racism, sexual assault, institutional injustice - they are still deeply entrenched, both in Nigeria and globally. The play forces audiences to confront the uncomfortable truth that our actions - and inactions - carry weight. The play is like a social experiment and also a mirror to society. We hope people leave reflecting on their own biases, their silence and the roles they play in upholding or dismantling injustice.
Have audience reactions changed depending on where the play is performed?
PawStudios: Absolutely. We’ve taken this play to different parts of the world and each audience reacts uniquely. In the US, the response is often visceral - audiences get vocal, even angry, about the injustices Esther faced. In the UK reactions tend to be more internalised - there’s shock, silence and deep discomfort. It’s fascinating to see how cultural contexts shape the reception, but no matter where we perform, the themes resonate. People see themselves, or someone they know, in this story. After each show, the conversations that follow are some of the most meaningful moments - especially around topics that are still considered taboo. That’s exactly why we do this.
What has been the most challenging part of bringing this story to life?
PawStudios: Performing this play never gets easier. Each show brings a fresh emotional weight. To protect ourselves as artists, we have to separate a bit - focus on storytelling rather than absorbing the trauma. But it’s also healing. Telling Esther’s story gives voice to someone who never had the chance to speak for herself. It’s not just a performance - it’s a form of unburdening, for us and hopefully for the audience as well.
What does Esther’s Revenge mean to you personally?
PawStudios: It’s more than a play - it’s a mission. A call to action. A space for dialogue. It speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the darkness of the themes, there’s hope. Society has shifted - we can now talk more openly about the things that were once unspoken. But we need to keep pushing. Change starts with conversation. Disagreement is fine; what matters is that no one is silenced. Every performance offers something new. In Leeds, we performed in a church and during the Q&A someone drew a beautiful parallel between Esther Johnson and the biblical Esther - both women navigating power, justice, and survival. Moments like that show us just how alive and evolving this story is.