Alumna Mumba Dodwell directs Emilia! to close AUB Productions’ 2024 season

Photos by Andy Beeson

For its final show of 2024, AUB Productions will presented Emilia! at the Studio Theatre on campus at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB).

The play by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm centres around Emilia Lanier, the first woman to assert herself as a professional poet, who in 1611 published a volume of poems under the guise of religious text to pass the censor.

It also celebrates those historically excluded from the narrative, promoting inclusivity of race and gender by giving voice to perspectives traditionally silenced.

AUB Productions is a collaborative effort, bringing industry professionals together with AUB students from BA (Hons) Acting, BA (Hons) Costume, BA (Hons) Design for Costume and Performance, and BA (Hons) Make-up for Media and Performance courses.

On this occasion, the students have worked with West End director Mumba Dodwell, herself an AUB alumna who graduated from the BA (Hons) Acting course in 2015.

“The growth in confidence and self has been really memorable to see in the students,” Mumba says. “Encouraging them to connect with the joy but be confident in showing up to the hard stuff.”

An actor emerging from red smoke on stage wearing 17th Century clothing.

An actor under stage lighting in a purple 17th Century garment.

Two actors on stage in 17th Century garments, one under lighting, the other blurred in the background.

Two actors on stage in 17th Century garments, one leaning away from the other.

Two actors on stage in 17th Century dress wear, one pointing a finger at the other under red lighting.

An actor under blue stage lighting in a 17th Century costume.

An actor in a pink 17th Century dress on stage.

Actors on stage in 17th Century costume, abstract set design with clouds and eyes.

Two actors on stage in 17th Century costumes, one on stairs, the other under blue light

Actors in 17th century costume on stage, one in pink writing in a book, the others blurred in the background.

Mumba calls the production, “witty, cheeky and ensemble heavy,” and one that gives a voice to a woman and others whose work and voice weren't traditionally preserved.

“Firstly, Emilia in this production is portrayed as a black woman, which both writer Morgan Lloyd Malcolm and director Nicole Charles have seamlessly made relevant to women past and present,” she explains.

“The desire to be seen as equal and to be given the same space and platform is something I continuously fight for and many other black women do.

“The UK has only ever had three black women debut their plays in the West End, which is appalling. In this play, we hear Emilia fight to see herself be recognised as a writer; fighting to be seen, but has to bend her voice to fit the world she lives in.

“Working with Mumba Dodwell has been an amazing experience,” says BA (Hons) Acting student Kimberley Mswaka, who plays the titular Emilia.

“She ensured we had a voice and were comfortable with everything in the rehearsal process. If there is something that I’ve learnt, it is to not be afraid to take up the stage and to not feel like you must be stuck in one place.”

“The show is amazing, hilarious, and powerful. The production process has been challenging, but so much fun. I feel that I have learnt a lot throughout the process; not only with the show but also with my character, Emilia – I am so grateful to have this role and journey with her.”

Emilia! opened at AUB Campus’ Studio Theatre on Thursday 5 December, running until Saturday 7 December.