1. ABOUT THE PLAY
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Uhuru follows an unlikely group of travelers as they embark on a “Tanzanian-only” climb to the mountain’s summit. Along the way, a tour guide, a Tanzanian-American visitor, and two missionaries must confront questions of identity, belonging, culture, and who has the right to claim a place as their own. As tensions rise and perspectives collide, their journey becomes a powerful exploration of heritage, access, and human connection.
Written by Gloria Majule, this sharp and heartfelt dramedy blends humor with thoughtful social commentary, inviting audiences to reflecton community, privilege, and the search for home. Through its vivid characters and contemporary themes, Uhuru offers a moving andtimely look at what it means to belong in an increasingly interconnected world.
2. MEET THE AUTHOR
Gloria Majule is a storyteller from Dodoma, Tanzania. She seeks to tell stories that bring multiple black voices together from across the world, and are accessible to black audiences no matter where they are. She writes for and about Africans and the African diaspora.
Gloria has been awarded fellowships from MacDowell and Artist Trust; commissions from Audible, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Atlantic Theater Company, and Princeton University/The Civilians; and residencies at Yaddo, Art Omi, The Ground Floor at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, The New Harmony Project, and New York Stage and Film.
3. WHEN AND WHERE
TIME: PRESENT DAY
The play is set in the present day, during a period of increasing globalization and cultural exchange. Contemporary society is shaped byquestions of identity, migration, cultural heritage, and how people navigate connections between local traditions and a changing world.
SETTING: TANZANIA
The play is set in Tanzania, a country in East Africa known for its diverse cultures, rich history, and remarkable natural landscapes. Theaction takes place on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain and one of the most recognizable landmarks on thecontinent.
4. GOOD TO KNOW
CLIMBING MOUNT KILIMANJARO
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro takes about 5 to 9 days depending on the path you choose. Hikers sleep in tents or huts along the trail as they slowly make their way up the mountain. While it is possible to finish the trek in just 5 or 6 days, experts recommend taking 7 to 9 days instead. This extra time allows your body to get used to the thin mountain air and high altitude, which helps prevent sickness and gives you a much better chance of successfully reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak.
THE MACHAME ROUTE
In the play the characters travel on The Machame Route. The Machame Route is one of the most popular ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa. Located in Tanzania, this route takes climbers through several different environments, including lush rainforests, rocky moorlands, and dry alpine deserts. The journey usually takes six to seven days, giving hikers time to adjust to the high altitude before reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak. Known for its stunning views and challenging trails, the Machame Route attracts thousands of climbers each year from around the world.
5. OUR DESIGN
At Alley Theatre we have access to some of the best and most talented theatrical designers in the industry. We also have some of the most state of the art theatre spaces in the country. This gives us the unique opportunity to have a lot of creative mobility when it comes to how we present our shows. Take a look at the original designs for Uhuru What stands out to you regarding our design of the show?
SET DESIGN FOR ALLEY THEATRE'S 2026 PRODUCTION BY YOU-SHIN CHEN
6. WHO'S WHO
Read the descriptions below and click on each photo for the actor’s bio.
Michael Oloyede
Mshale
Mshale is a seasoned Mount Kilimanjaro tour guide who leads the expedition to Uhuru Peak. Practical and confident, he is deeply connected to his homeland and serves as a grounding force for the group as they navigate personal and cultural conflicts.
Key Traits:
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Practical
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Confident
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Responsible
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Proud
Sprite
Sprite is a Tanzanian-American traveler who joins the climb with a desire to reconnect with his heritage and better understand his place within Tanzanian culture. His journey is one of self-discovery and belonging.
Key Traits:
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Curious
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Idealistic
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Determined
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Reflective
Oghenero Gbaje
Henry
Henry is one of the missionaries on the expedition. Having spent significant time in Tanzania, he believes he has a strong connection to the country, though his views are challenged throughout the journey.
Key Traits:
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Dedicated
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Confident
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Well-meaning
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Stubborn
David Gow
Frannie
Frannie is Henry’s wife and fellow missionary. She approaches the expedition with optimism and sincerity but must also confront difficult questions about identity, culture, and belonging.
Key Traits:
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Compassionate
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Optimistic
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Thoughtful
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Open-minded
Skyler Sinclair
7. YOUR PART IN THE PLAY
The show can't happen without an audience. Watch the video for some great advice on playing your part.
BONUS ACTIVITY
AUDIENCE ETIQUETTE
After watching the video, improvise scenes where you encounter the best and worst audience members. If you create something fun and want to share it, tag us at @alleytheatre on Instagram or Facebook for a chance to be featured on our social platforms.
8. POST-SHOW TALKBACK
If you and your students plan to participate in the post-show talkback, encourage them to ask questions!
