When the Lion, Witch and Wardrobe open at Saddlers Wells on August 20th, audiences discover Narnia unlike before. This beloved classic was reimagined with the children of Pevensie, who were cast as a black family. It is a bold change that adds new layers to the stories that many of us grew up with, giving black audiences the opportunity to see them reflected in the very heart of the world of CS Lewis fantasy.
At the heart of this reimagining is Kutzai Mangom as Lucy and Joanna Adaran as Susan. Both women bring personal resonance and cultural depth to roles that have long been defined by their white portrayals.
For Kujai, the role is to make dreams come true. “When I saw the movie in the cinema, I grew up wanting to play Lucy, but I didn’t expect that to happen because she wasn’t the same colour as me. Now I realize how powerful it is for a young black girl to play someone who looks like them.
For Joanna, Susan’s story takes on fresh meaning through the black lens. “It’s a story of beloved families of children still navigating wartime England, but this time through the eyes of black families. If there’s one thing black history knows, it’s a refuge, and it’s playing the very eldest son, stepping into the role of his mother, bringing my own culture and heritage on the journey of Susan.”
Both acknowledge that they step into such iconic roles, but not only comes with pressure, but also empowerment. Joanna said, “People will always be hoping for what Susan should look like, but what they feel empowered is getting on stage and presenting my version,” Kujai added that she will avoid rethinking her legacy. “If that’s the case, anxiety would cripple me. Sometimes I get fraud syndrome, but I remember that I’m here to bring Lucy back to life in my own way.”
The casting change has done more than Spark’s conversations, and formed the emotional core of the production. “Themes like war, loss, and displacement resonate universally, but there’s even more depth to black families,” Kujai says. “The black community has had to endure these traumas throughout history, so the story becomes richer and more layered,” Joanna added that the show often overlooks the respect for aspects of British history. “Black civilians and soldiers were part of the war effort, and children were evacuated too, and that wasn’t something we were taught in school, but that’s the reality.
The audience’s response was strong. “It’s so exciting to see young black girls and boys in the audience,” Kujai says. “Their surprise, their shortness of breath, it’s precious,” Joanna points out the scene with the cor crown, especially moving. “The crowns and celebrations of black children are emotional to those who look like us and stay with us.”
Both actors see the industry change, but not enough. “There are progress, but inclusiveness feels too much like a tickbox exercise,” says Joanna. “If you cast me in a role, be careful about why. Be careful about the black story you’re talking about now.” Kudzai repeats this. “CS Lewis never described Pevensies in detail. It gives them a space for the cast to represent any community. In our production, we represent the black community and that’s what matters.”
As for the following, Joanna wants to share a vast, dark history: Kujai, on the other hand, dreams of stepping into more complicated roles.
This production of Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe is not just a theatre, but history, expression and imagination clash in one stage. As Joanna says, “We were there and we are allowed to let people know.”
Don’t miss this groundbreaking narration from Narnia. Lion, Witch and Wardrobe will be held at Saddlers Wells from August 20th to September 6th. Through your wardrobe, you will never see Narnia the same way again.
Source: Pride Magazine – www.pridemagazine.com
