Deyemi Okanlawon is stepping into one of the most ambitious stage projects of his career as he joins the cast of Crown of Blood, a Yoruba adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
The production, created by Utopia Theatre in collaboration with Sheffield Theatres, will run at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield from February 2 to 7, 2026.
Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s most studied tragedies, a tale of power, ambition, and moral collapse. But Crown of Blood goes further by reimagining the entire narrative through a Yoruba cultural lens.
At the heart of the play is General Aderemi, portrayed by Deyemi Okanlawon, who delivers a powerful interpretation of Macbeth.
Speaking about the role, Okanlawon said he approached Aderemi with a deep sense of responsibility, understanding that this adaptation demanded more than just performance; it required cultural alignment.
“Playing General Aderemi meant tapping into both the depth of Shakespeare’s original character and the essence of Yoruba history and identity,” he said.
Having gotten involved in international productions, including a Japanese sci‑fi television series and the upcoming stage play Crown of Blood, the versatile actor reflects on how the experience garnered across various stages and climes has shaped his approach to acting: “In Japan, if it says 9 a.m., arriving at 9 means you’re late,” he said.
Leave a comment