Anansi Meets A Yumboe Fairy

by Prentiss Matthews III

Yumboe Fairies are magical beings known for being amazing dancers, excellent hosts, and lovers of food. Every full moon they throw a full moon festival where they invite every creature in Africa to the event. But, Yemi, a shy Yumboe fairy who has two left feet, is nervous about attending the Moon Festival. As they travel to gather materials for the moon festival, Anansi and Yemi meet unique characters who help them learn the true meaning of finding your rhythm, joy, and self-expression through dance.

$12.00

Quick Details

  • Type: Play
  • Length: 45-60 minutes | Can be cut for competition
  • Availability: Available for productions worldwide
  • Cast Size: 11 roles

Full Details

Roles:

  • Anansi the Spider: known trickster with a heart of gold
  • Yemi the Yumboe Fairy: a shy fairy with no confidence in her dance abilities
  • Willow or Will the Warthog: kooky little Warthog that loves corn
  • Flamingo 1: sassy, spirited bird
  • Flamingo 2: fiece bird who follows Flamingo 1
  • Flamingo 3: fierce bird that is a little lost in the clouds
  • Narrator
  • Effie the Great Elephant: powerful and bold
  • Yumboe Fae 1 and 2: wonderful dancers who are a little mean spirited
  • Royal Yumboe Fae: Royal fairy who loves fellowship

The following resources are included in each performance license:
  • Permission to photocopy the PDF script for your production so there is no additional cost for these assets.

The following resources may be added to you license for an additional fee:
  • Logo/Media package

Prentiss Matthews III

Prentiss Matthews III is an award-winning playwright and multi-hyphenate theatre artist from Atlanta, Georgia, with a BFA in Theatre from Valdosta State University. As an actor, playwright, director, and teaching artist, his work centers storytelling as a tool for healing, social change, and joy.

His play The Golden Loc, inspired by African mythology, was named Best Play of 2024 in the BroadwayWorld Michigan Sector and was a Finalist for both the 2024 Purple Crayon Players New Works Festival and the 2024 Obsidian Theatre Festival. His work has been developed and presented by organizations such as Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre, Fonseca Theatre, The Black Theatre Network, The Union for Contemporary Art, and more.

Prentiss was also selected as a Finalist for the 2024–2025 BIPOC TYA Superhero Project, where he was commissioned to write a new piece centering a superhero of color for young audiences.

His storytelling amplifies Black narratives, mythology, and intergenerational healing, creating theatre that fosters connection, joy, and transformation. When not writing, he enjoys Zumba, exploring art museums, and hunting for the best boba tea.

Originally presented by Mt. Vernon High School Theatre Department in 2024