Our War

“Remember me more than a fighting man and the choice I made for the greater plan”

Our War tells the compelling story of Ola, Tommy and Christian, as they travel from their native land Nigeria to war-torn Britain during the height of World War II.

Tommy and Christian enlist to fight with honour for their Mother Country, Ola is a nurse. Once they arrive, they experience the horrors of war on the battlefield and the indignities of being Black in the army and in the local community.

This new work by Andrew Ashaye brings to life two different worlds: the Mother Country who claims to need them but does not want them, and Nigeria who wants them but feels it has no choice but to let them go.

Our War dramatises the bravery of these forgotten heroes, Black African and Caribbean men and women who contributed and made sacrifices for the war effort in Britain.

Imole Theatre Company (which means LIGHT in Yoruba) was founded by Lola Oteh, to create a platform in which original and innovative stories can be told. Using drama and performance as a medium to bring history to life and give a voice to stories that might not always be heard.

Press for this production

a really important, often beautiful, piece of theatre … with a superb and moving central performance by Lola Oteh-Cole  London Pub Theatres

Beko Wood impresses as the tragic Christian and Lola Oteh-Cole is wonderful as the determined Olayinka… Our War is a heartfelt and hard-hitting production. This makes productions like Imole Theatre Company’s Our War vital – reminding us of and celebrating the Black African and Caribbean men and women who fought and contributed to the war effort. Fairy Powered Productions

Angry, compelling and disturbing in many ways… this is a stimulating and very well acted evening. ReviewsGate

This production was majestically infused with elements of Nigerian culture through compelling dialogue & sweet singing in Yoruba; penetrating the audience hearts. Lola Oteh’s cultural influence was deeply embedded to create a platform in which original and innovative stories could be told. Drama and performance was greatly used in ‘Our War’ to magnify history bringing the past back to life and giving us a voice to stories that might not always be heard. Get the Chance

It is a story not told often enough London Theatre 1

Nominated for Lead Performance Off West End Awards: Lola Oteh-Cole