Epken: Tiger in the Swamps

Ekpen – Tiger in the Swamps is a story of historical and epic proportion, one of valor, of conflicts between duty, loyalty and conviction and of their resolution. From the intrigues and traditional politics in the royal courts of the Oba of the great kingdom of Benin over five centuries ago to an odyssey, a classic chase and warfare in the swamps and creeks of the Western Niger Delta and finally to a recognition of the futility of war, remorse and then peace and calm – and the community and Kingdom that rose from it all – the Okere Community in today’s Warri metropolis in Nigeria and the Warri Kingdom from which that city derived its name. The play is a lucid rendition of the dramatic history of the people of these parts of the Niger Delta in Nigeria. It is told with depth, candor and some dose of artistic license that nevertheless leaves the basic historical facts intact. The language is rich and engaging, typical of the cultural wealth and heritage of the Bini and Itsekiri people of Nigeria.