Magic Theatre launches its 2016 Spring Residency with acclaimed Nigerian-American playwright Mfoniso Udofia and two plays from her The Ufot Cycle: “Sojourners” and “runboyrun.” Udofia’s work runs in revolving repertory at Magic Theatre during April and May, which makes for a compelling double bill of linked stories.

“Sojourners” is on stage first and introduces a central character of The Ufot Cycle: newlywed Abasiama Ekpeyoung. Abasiama travels to the U.S. while in a disappointing arranged marriage, and she plans to gain an education before returning to her Nigerian homeland to experience the nation’s rebirth after a strife-filled civil war. However, her transplanted life in the U.S. doesn’t turn out as she expected, disrupting her careful plans. The concepts of love, marriage, duty, desire, and home take on different meanings abroad and her loyalties are tested when she is confronted by an impossible choice.

Abasiama’s adventures continue in “runboyrun,” also playing in April at the Magic Theatre during Udofia’s residency.