The Agooji of West Africa were the terrifying all-female fighting force of the Kingdom of Dahomey, a small but powerful West African kingdom in modern day Benin that steadily expanded from the 17th Century, against the much larger Asante and Yoruba Kingdoms. Dahomey was feared for its annual slave raids deep into its neighbour’s territories and the ruthlessness of their women warriors.
Our story begins at the end of the 19th Century. Dahomey is under threat from the European colonial powers who vie for control of one of the last independent kingdoms in Africa. Based on historical records, we recreate the life of a village chiefs‘ daughter - Sukeoun. Against her father's wishes, she is taken as a tribute to the King of Dahomey.
