There Is Rice At Home

About the show

On the eve of her best friend's funeral, a police officer comes face to face with a charming stranger who introduces herself as Death. And like her, she has questions begging for answers.

There Is Rice At Home is a riveting story of friendship, grief, and love.

The cast is led by award-winning Bola Stephen-Atetebi, whose critically acclaimed work includes Esther's Revenge and Reminiscing with Adunni Alaalo. She is joined by Abiola Akindele who brings her essence to the character after a successful run at the Women’s Writers Festival, London. There Is Rice At Home returns to England after three successful shows, including closing The Alliance Française Accra Performing Arts Festival in Ghana.

What if Death showed up at the funeral, and had receipts?

There Is Rice At Home is coming to FUSEInternational in Kingston, and it's not like anything else on the programme. Inspired by real personal losses, this play questions normative expressions of grief, and the pretences that complicate our relationship with friendship and loss.

Come and see the award-winning Bola Stephen-Atetebi and Abiola Akindele tell a story for the books.

Written by Inyang Edoho and Joewackle J. Kusi Directed by Emmanuel Okocha Produced by Jude Chibueze Meju Stage Management by Evidence Adu

About the company

Instinct Pictures is a dynamic theatre and creative production company based in Lagos, Nigeria, committed to telling bold, emotionally resonant, and socially conscious stories that connect deeply with audiences across cultures.

Founded by Emmanuel Okocha, the company has grown into one of the emerging voices in contemporary African theatre, known for producing impactful stage works that explore identity, migration, race, human relationships, social realities, and cultural intersections. Driven by a passion for authentic storytelling, Instinct Pictures creates productions that combine minimalist yet powerful stagecraft with compelling performances, innovative direction, and emotionally engaging narratives.

The company’s work reflects the complexities of modern society while preserving the richness of African experiences and perspectives. Through theatre, live experiences, creative collaborations, and cultural exchange, Instinct Pictures continues to use performance as a tool for dialogue, education, reflection, and global connection. Since its inception, Instinct Pictures has actively participated in prestigious theatre and arts festivals both locally and internationally, earning recognition for its originality, consistency, and artistic excellence. The company has showcased productions at notable festivals including the Lagos Fringe, Lagos Theatre Festival, Brighton Fringe, Wandsworth Arts Fringe, and the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, where the company has continued to expand the reach of Nigerian storytelling to global audiences.

Scenes from A Palm Tree in London were featured during the ongoing Philadelphia Fringe Festival, further strengthening the company’s international presence. Among its notable productions are Shadows, Sour Grapes, A Palm Tree in London, and the emotionally charged stage production Second Thoughts. Instinct Pictures’ productions are known for addressing timely themes with honesty, vulnerability, humor, and emotional depth, creating intimate