In a co-production with Fuel, The National presents Three Sisters, a new play by Inua Ellams, following his smash-hit Barber Shop Chronicles.

Inua’s newest play is based on the 1900 Chekhov play and re-set in 1960s Nigeria, against a backdrop of increasingly violent tension.

Owerri, 1967, on the brink of the Biafran Civil War. Lolo, Nne Chukwu and Udo are grieving the loss of their father. Months before, two ruthless military coups plunged the country into chaos. Fuelled by foreign intervention, the conflict encroaches on their provincial village, and the sisters long to return to their former home in Lagos.

Throughout the run of Three Sisters, The National will also be hosting a series of talks and events about Nigeria and the Biafran conflict and Chekhov’s original play as well as talks from the writer and director themselves.

Writer Inua Ellams was born in Nigeria in 1984, and is is a poet, playwright, performer, graphic artist & designer. His first play, The 14th Tale, was awarded a Fringe First at the Edinburgh International Theatre Festival and his fourth ‘Barber Shop Chronicles’ sold out its run at The National Theatre.

Nadia Fall directs. Nadia has directed a whole host of plays at The National, including Our Country’s Good, Dara, Chewing Gum Dreams, Home, Hymn and The Doctor’s Dilemma. She has directed at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, the Unicorn Theatre and led participation initiatives with partners such as the Young Vic, Clean Break, Soho Theatre and the Royal Court. She is also an acting coach, supporting professional actors for film and stage.