Synopsis
Imogen marries Posthumus against her father's wishes. Posthumous is exiled and while there told that he has lost his bet that his wife would be faithful. He plots a jealous reunion and revenge. Unaware, Imogene travels to meet him but after some strange occurrences she gets into disguise as a man - in a drugged sleep in a cave with a man and his two sons she awakes next to a headless corpse. From Juba, South Sudan. The specially-formed South Sudan Theatre Company, from the world s newest country, will perform a Shakespeare play for the first time ever in Juba Arabic. Cymbeline offers a rich framework into which Sudanese culture and characterisation can be incorporated. In addition to questions of politics and the military, the play offers the opportunity to mix South Sudan s strong tradition of magic, prophets and soothsayers, class and caste and even child abduction. Questions of sexual morality are at the top of the social agenda in South Sudan and will provide a rich ground for an innovative adaptation of the play. Ultimately Cymbeline s story of hope and redemption provides a strong metaphor for South Sudan s own story. Performed in Juba Arabic. Part of Globe to Globe 2012 - World Shakespeare Festival