Cast of 30 confirmed for Omeros marathon performance at Jermyn Street Theatre

Jermyn Street Theatre has announced casting for its staging of Omeros by Derek Walcott, presented as a 12-hour, one-day performance. The poem, which follows the lives of fishermen in St Lucia and explores memory, trauma and identity, will be performed by a company of 30 actors appearing in relay across the day.

Kwame Owusu and Emily Aboud direct the production, with casting now confirmed as Ronkẹ Adékọluẹ́jọ́, Selorm Adonu, Fisayo Akinade, Danny Bailey, Doreene Blackstock, Gabrielle Brooks, babirye buiklwa, Ashley Byam, Doña Croll, Michael Duke, Jim Findley, Valentine Hanson, Ash Hunter, Eloka Ivo, Solomon Israel, Terique Jarrett, Selina Jones, Paterson Joseph, Gilbert Kyem Jnr, Elander Moore, Tonderai Munyevu, Jessica Murrain, Cyril Nri, Ivan Oyik, Simon-Anthony Rhoden, Adjani Salmon, Emeka Sesay, Fode Simbo, Tienne Simon and Cherrelle Skeete.

Owusu and Aboud said: “Omeros is an extraordinary work of literature, one of the greatest works to come from the Caribbean. It is an honour to bring this epic poem to the stage in an all-day theatrical marathon alongside 30 brilliant actors. These actors will be thrillingly discovering the text – live, for the first time. It’ll be a real treat for audiences to watch this time-spanning, genre-bending saga come to life before their very eyes. We have an unbelievable cast and could not be more excited to hear Walcott’s verse as it should be experienced – aloud.”

The performance will be presented in three parts across the day on Sunday 10 May, beginning with “Welcome to St Lucia: The Helen of the West Indies” at 11am, followed by “An Odyssey around the World” at 3:20pm and concluding with “Homecoming” at 7:30pm.

Further information and ticket details are available via Jermyn Street Theatre.