Ayo Edebiri and David Oyelowo on the Importance of Making ‘Mrs. Dalloway’ Riff ‘Clarissa’ in Nigeria

In "Clarissa," a modern adaptation of Virginia Woolf's "Mrs. Dalloway," cast members Ayo Edebiri and David Oyelowo expressed the significance of bringing Woolf's novel to the Nigerian setting of Lagos. Sophie Okonedo stars as Clarissa, a middle-aged socialite preparing to host a party while grappling with her past choices, specifically her decision to marry rather than pursue a relationship with poet Peter, portrayed by Oyelowo.

Oyelowo noted that many cast members were performing in Africa for the first time, creating an emotional connection to the characters and the setting. He stated, "We all have our own relationship with that region, but had never worked there, and there was something that was evocative of what the characters are going through in terms of a kind of an embrace."

Edebiri, who plays a younger version of Clarissa's friend Sally, shared a perspective as a Black actor, questioning why her role often revolves around her pain and suffering, unlike non-Black characters. She stated, "Why can't I, as a Black person, as an African person, also be dealing with existential issues, just like my non-Black counterparts are?"

Chuko Esiri, co-director of the film, echoed a similar sentiment, explaining that while the core themes of class conflict remained intact from Woolf's novel, Nigerian society and culture became the main source of inspiration for the characters. He mentioned, "There was a moment where I really had to let them go because … we were writing Nigerian characters, and that sort of evolution really helped sort of evolve."

Esiri felt liberated by this approach, allowing the story to truly resonate with its African setting. The film, produced by Neon, is set to release on December 11.