A Defiant Act in 1908
In 1908, a remarkable event unfolded in the coastal town of Southend-on-Sea, Essex, that would challenge the prevailing racial norms of the time. At Europe’s largest entertainment complex, the Kursaal, a beauty pageant was taking place, attracting contestants from across the country. Amidst the sea of fair-skinned contestants, a young Black woman, presenting herself as Princess Dinubolu from Senegal, entered the competition. Her audacious participation in a beauty contest marked a bold and groundbreaking moment in history, one that would go on to challenge deeply ingrained societal and racial barriers.
At the time, beauty pageants in the UK, much like in many other parts of the world, adhered to strict “colour bars,” policies that explicitly excluded non-white participants. These contests were designed to showcase idealized beauty standards that reflected the dominant racial ideologies of the period, which upheld whiteness as the benchmark for desirability and grace. The notion of a Black woman stepping onto the stage of a prestigious pageant was unthinkable, and yet, Princess Dinubolu did just that.
Her entry into the Kursaal’s pageant was not the result of an organized protest or an explicit challenge to the racial norms of the day. Instead, it was a seemingly accidental breakthrough, as the pageant rules either failed to include or intentionally overlooked the “colour bar.” Whether due to a clerical oversight or an unspoken loophole in the pageant’s entry requirements, Princess Dinubolu was allowed to compete, representing an unforeseen rupture in the racial exclusions that governed much of society.
Her presence in the contest was a quiet but powerful defiance against the racial discrimination that defined much of the early 20th century. It was a subversive act that not only questioned the norms surrounding beauty and race but also highlighted the potential for disruption in institutions that had long been perceived as immutable. In entering the pageant, Princess Dinubolu became an emblem of resistance, making a statement that would resonate beyond the walls of the Kursaal. Her participation stood as a symbol of the fight for equality and representation, and though her name may have been obscured by history, her defiant act left an indelible mark on the ongoing struggle for racial justice.
Through this moment, Princess Dinubolu became a pioneer, using her presence and identity to challenge the status quo. Though she may not have won the contest, her participation in the pageant was a victory in its own right—a victory for visibility, inclusion, and the breaking down of societal barriers that sought to keep people of colour marginalized. This act of bravery, if only fleeting, would serve as an important catalyst in the larger narrative of racial and social justice, laying the groundwork for future generations to continue dismantling the discriminatory structures that defined the era.
Reviving the Story Through Theatre
In 2024, Anne Odeke brought the remarkable story of Princess Dinubolu to life on stage with her play Princess Essex. This production marked a historic milestone, as Odeke became the first woman of colour to have her play performed on the main stage of Shakespeare’s Globe.
Odeke, a talented playwright and performer, utilized her platform to resurrect this nearly forgotten historical event. Her work not only reintroduces audiences to a pivotal moment in history but also challenges contemporary discussions on race, identity, and representation in the arts. By bringing this story to the stage, Odeke highlights the importance of diverse narratives and the need for inclusive representation in theatre.
The play received critical acclaim for its vibrant storytelling and poignant commentary. One review described it as “a joyous blast of sea air… a saucy and subversive tale of pride, prejudice and petticoat power.”
Through Princess Essex, Anne Odeke not only revives a little-known historical figure but also prompts contemporary audiences to reflect on ongoing issues of race, identity, and societal expectations. The play stands as a testament to the audacity and resilience of those who dare to defy conventions, both past and present.
A Play Rooted in Identity and Struggle
Princess Essex is a dynamic, music-infused comedy that brings to life the true story of the first woman of colour to enter a UK beauty pageant. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Edwardian seaside culture, the play delves deep into themes of identity, racism, and societal expectations.
In this production, Odeke portrays Joanna, a mixed-race maid who, in a bold act of defiance, adopts the persona of Princess Dinubolu from Senegal to participate in the 1908 beauty pageant at Southend-on-Sea’s Kursaal. This act challenges the era’s racial barriers and offers a nuanced exploration of the prejudices faced by individuals of colour. The narrative is inspired by historical events, with current theories suggesting that the so-called princess was, in fact, a Black Essex woman who assumed a royal identity to circumvent racial restrictions.
The play masterfully blends humour with historical reflection. Odeke’s storytelling is both entertaining and thought-provoking, shedding light on the complexities of race and identity in early 20th-century Britain. The production tackles issues of racial inequality and societal expectations without overshadowing the engaging storyline. The exhilarating environment and larger-than-life characters captivate audiences, making the historical narrative both accessible and relevant.
Critics have lauded the play for its vibrant storytelling and poignant commentary. One review described it as “a joyous blast of sea air… a saucy and subversive tale of pride, prejudice and petticoat power.” Another highlighted how the play “turns Edwardian idiocy on itself,” emphasizing its clever subversion of historical norms.
Through Princess Essex, Anne Odeke not only revives a little-known historical figure but also prompts contemporary audiences to reflect on ongoing issues of race, identity, and societal expectations. The play stands as a testament to the audacity and resilience of those who dare to defy conventions, both past and present.
A Critically Acclaimed Production
Princess Essex garnered widespread critical acclaim for its vibrant storytelling, sharp wit, and poignant social commentary. Critics celebrated the play for its ability to entertain while addressing serious issues of racial inequality, identity, and societal expectations. One review described the production as “a joyous blast of sea air… a saucy and subversive tale of pride, prejudice, and petticoat power.” The play’s blend of humour and profound insights into the complexities of race in Edwardian society allowed it to resonate with a wide range of audiences.
The show’s reception underscores the power of theatre as a tool for rewriting historical narratives and amplifying voices that history has often overlooked. The production offered a unique platform to highlight the untold story of Princess Dinubolu and, by extension, the challenges faced by women of colour in early 20th-century Britain. By blending the struggles of a past society with modern concerns over representation and identity, Odeke created a performance that was both a celebration of resilience and a critique of persistent racial and gendered power structures.
Odeke’s performance, as both playwright and actor, captivated audiences with her bold portrayal of Joanna, who adopts the persona of Princess Dinubolu. Her work skillfully brought out the strength and defiance of a woman determined to break through the colour barriers of the beauty industry, an act that, at the time, was both revolutionary and risky. Through her character, Odeke explored the intersections of race, class, and gender, demonstrating how those in marginalized communities often had to adopt alternate identities in order to claim space in mainstream society.
The success of Princess Essex also highlighted the importance of bringing diverse stories to the forefront of cultural discourse. It served as a reminder of how theatre can act as both a mirror and a window, reflecting our histories while providing new perspectives on ongoing societal issues. The production not only honoured a historical figure but also connected her struggles to the continued fight for racial justice and gender equality today. Through this play, Odeke offered a poignant exploration of courage, resilience, and the transformative power of storytelling.
A Legacy of Courage and Change
Anne Odeke’s work not only sheds light on a little-known historical figure but also challenges modern audiences to reflect on the progress made—and the work still needed—in breaking down racial and societal barriers. Through Princess Essex, Odeke celebrates the audacity and resilience of those who dare to defy conventions, both past and present.
By bringing this story to a wider audience, Odeke ensures that the legacy of Princess Dinubolu is not forgotten. More importantly, her work serves as a reminder that the fight for representation, equality, and social change is an ongoing journey.
