Lady Ionosphere: Celebrating Francisca Okeke

A one-act play by Natty Mark Samuels celebrating the 70th birthday of Nigerian physicist Francisca Okeke, honoured for her ionosphere research and decades of teaching at Nsukka University. Two characters, Mawu and an Elder, exchange stories linking African lunar deities, satellites, asteroids and space exploration, using dialogue, chant and movement. The piece draws on African cosmology and astronomy to explore knowledge, mentorship and the legacy of African scientists. Reading by Amantha Edmead and Natty Mark Samuels, followed by a Q&A chaired by Geno Humphrey.

This performance launches Betelgeuse Theatre; https://africanschool.weebly.com/betelgeuse-theatre.html and its ongoing programme Leys Satellite Community Astronomy (Betelgeuse / East Oxford Astronomy Club) — monthly sessions exploring celestial objects, pioneering astronomers past and present, space programmes, telescopes, folklore of the skies and ethnoastronomy: Note date change for changing seasons: from 15 September, third Tuesday of each month, 6–7pm; then from 4 November, first Tuesday of each month, 7–8pm. Room P107, Leys College, Blackbird Leys Road and Cuddesdon Way, OX4 6HN: https://africanschool.weebly.com/betelgeuse.html.

Ticketing: Pay What You Decide (PWYD)

Event format: PERFORMANCE & TALK

Event duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Age: 10–12 yrs, Teenage, Adult

Event start: 6.30pm

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