16 years ago Creator/Director Shayla Hudson Williams was
with her mother at the African History Museum in Washington DC. There she was inspired by the smallest
exhibit that made reference to an epic time and story. It was at this moment that she discovered and
chose her life’s work, to bring this mostly forgotten and hidden story to life
for the world.
That story is that of the Kush Empire, the darker skinned
ancient Africans that overthrew their Egyptian oppressors and ruled for nearly
100 years. The story of the Kush has
been shrouded in mystery and mostly hidden for centuries. It is only now that
scholars and archeologist are starting to piece together a more accurate
picture of these great people. For years
Shayla did extensive research pouring through books and archaeological
reference to find a story that would make a great feature film. She encountered many dead ends as she would
discover one family or story only to have to abandon the concept due to lack of
information about them. Finally she
uncovered the story of King Piye and his family the subject of The Lost Kings.
When coming to the stage with her partner Chris Molina
and introducing the play, Shayla expresses to the audience that you must use
your imagination for what is to come.
The Cupcake Theater in Hollywood is a tiny venue. Most of the action takes place on a small
square platform stage with an exit path stage left. There is a curtain back drop where for a few
scenes characters enter and exit from the corner stage right. There is also a wooden ladder stage right
that leads up to a tiny platform of only a few feet which hangs above the
stage. On that platform sits the narrator
who is mostly employed to describe the big scale battle sequences and scenes
that would require crowds of people to which there are many.
In the climatic battle of the piece the Kushite city of
the protagonists is under siege. I
literally needed to close my eyes to picture the epic battle that includes
elephants and other wild beasts hidden in underground cages to be unleashed on
their unsuspecting attackers.
Although King Piye played well by Chaim Dunbar is the
head of the royal family or House that gives us our point of view in Lost
Kingdom, it is really the story of his General and sister Makeda played masterfully
by actress Frances Domond.
At the opening of the story Makeda is wounded in a fierce
battle in which she leads the Kushites in a sneak attack against the Egyptians which
results in them seizing power and expanding their territory.
A true historical event that one archaeologist in the PBS
special entitled “Rise of the Black Pharaohs”, was a real David and Goliath
story.
Returning to the Kush kingdom after the battle Makeda is
troubled and considers stepping down as General to settle down with her warrior
husband Kibwe, played by Kevin Craig West and start a family. Frances and Kevin have a natural chemistry
and this representation of black love and partnership is one of the gems that make
up this piece.
The emotional high point of the play though happens about
mid-way through as Makeda confronts her brother Shabaka played by Melvin Ward about
his betrayal to the family. I could feel
her pain as she confronts the reality of being betrayed by someone she has
known and loved her entire life.
I do think though that the biggest missed opportunity of
the work is with the character of Shabaka who turns out to be the villain of
the piece. Shabaka is reminiscent of Iago from Othello. It’s a challenging proposition to portray a character
who is at once loving brother and scheming traitor at the same time.
It is surmounting this challenge though that I think will
unlock some of the greatest potential that lies at the heart of The Lost
Kingdom.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the heart
wrenching performance Narlyia Sterling as Subira who is tortured by the loss of
her husband Mchumba played by a very entertaining Christian Broussard.
Also considering the budget they must have had to work
with the costumes pretty amazing. Also
impressive was the fight choreography which again had to take place in a very
limited space.
I was thoroughly entertained by The Lost Kingdom. The Lost Kingdom in its current integration
is very much a work in progress and it was easy for me to see and be excited
about it’s potential as a big budget feature film, larger scale stage
production or even TV series.
With the announcement of Disney/Marvels Black Panther
Feature and the incredible success of FOX’s Empire I think the time is right
for the emergence of projects like The Lost Kingdom.
#BlackGameofThrones #SwordandSoul #DemThrones
Eric T. Elder
is an Animation and Game Producer & Director
with over 20 years of experience in the industry. He is currently
developing the
Sword & Soul animated epic “Changa and the Jade Obelisk”
