The Convert

This moving new work explores the untold cultural and religious collisions caused by British colonialism in southern Africa, and the reverberating effects still felt in the region today.

Set amid the colonial scramble for southern Africa in 1895, The Convert tells the tale of Jekesai, a young girl who escapes a forced marriage arrangement with the help of a stalwart black African catechist, Chilford Ndlovu. Caught between her loyalties to her family and culture but indebted to this new Christian god, she becomes Chilford’s protégé, but when an anti-colonial uprising erupts she is forced to decide which side of the conflict she will choose—and where her heart truly belongs. With wit and compassion, The Convert explores the untold cultural and religious collisions caused by British colonists in this section of southern Africa (now Zimbabwe), and the reverberating effects still felt in the region today. Emily Mann, the award-winning Artistic Director of McCarter Theatre, returns to the Goodman to direct. The Convert was commissioned by Center Theatre Group.