*This is a live reading of a play being workshopped through the Grand Theatre's COMPASS New Play Development program. It is not a fully-staged production.

THE STORY

Under the Mango Tree tells of Twyla-Angel who finds a tree in the prairies overlooking her school campus, where she tells African stories, in a desperate need to process loss, reclaim identity and navigate conflict. The tree, however, was previously claimed by Jacob, the son of an animation media tycoon, who uses the tree as an escape from technological constraints and the struggle to fulfill his father’s expectations. The conflict over the tree leads to a clash of culture, nature and technology, the development of friendship, betrayal, and the responsibility of reconciliation.

Under the Mango Tree has themes of appropriation, intellectual property, bereavement, faith, and mental health, mingled with music, laughter and beautiful storytelling.