A PROVOCATIVE play over race relations in Elizabethan England will be performed at various theatres in Somerset next year.

Produced by Taunton- based Storytree and The Bluebirds, in conjunction with Exeter-based Four of Swords, the play is called NZINGABETH!

Or when Ana Met Virginia and is based on a fictitious musical meeting between Elizabeth I of England and the proud African Queen Ana Nzinga.

The play portrays the meeting, its build- up and aftermath, and explores a wide variety of issues such as race, gender and politics.

But, it is not just heavy political portrayals in the show, there are also some excellent costumes on display and a fusion of Tudor music and African song.

Sasha Herriman, from The Bluebirds is producing the show, and also plays Elizabeth I, and she devised the idea for NZINGABETH!

from an Elizabethan cabaret show.

She said: “I was doing Tudor cabaret when I discovered the story of Nzinga.

“I instantly knew I wanted to put her and Elizabeth together. I was fascinated by the fact that in both Europe and Africa, women were able to take the reins of power against all odds.”

Gloria Lawrence, whose company Storytree has taken her into schools across the south-west as a singer and storyteller, is playing Nzinga.

She said: “As a British-born black woman, growing up I never knew black history existed!

“With this play, I can redress the balance.

I want to show there are many black role models through history. Not only as slaves and victims in chains, but as strong, intelligent leaders.

“Elizabeth is an historical figure who needs little introduction in this country, but Ana Nzinga is less well known. She was an incredibly interesting character who successfully played Dutch and Portuguese colonial powers off against each other.”

NZINGABETH!

is supported by funding from Arts Council England.

It is being performed at a range of venues across the South West.

For more information, see the website visit nzingabeth.com