Sharing names:
Many of the names of characters in this show are derived from deities in the Yoruba religion. Starting off with Oya, the protagonist of In the Red and Brown Water” who’s name connects back to one of the seven primary Orishas (key spirits in Yoruba). Oya is the goddess of weather, who is cursed with infertility, much like the shows version of her. She is heavily associated with funerals and is seen as the guardian of graveyards. Oya was created by Yemoja, the mother of the sea. Mama Moja being Oya’s mother is a direct tie to these deities. However one subtle way that this story strays from these religions is that Shango was also created my Yemoja. Shango is the god of thunder and lightning, and one of his many wives is Oshun, another Orisha. Oshun is the goddess of fertility and purity, so she is able to give Shango a child, similar to the play.
One of the biggest characters that ties back to Yoruba is Elegba, the Devine messenger, trickster god, and the essence of fate. In the play Elegba shows signs of being a messenger as he has dreams every night since he was young relating to how Oya will die. He sings for her well being, even though he carries her true fate on his shoulders.
