Imagine a time and place in which making love to a woman is to give up your life.

Such is the basis for the play, “The Concubine,” written by Elechi Amadi and directed by Chii Ughanze-Onyeagocha.

Similar to Onyeagocha’s last play, “Things Fall Apart,” “The Concubine” explores the lives of the Igbo tribe of Nigeria.

“The play is an African suspense drama about a beautiful Igbo lady who, if men make love to her, or even contemplate making love to her, it proves fatal to them,” Onyeagocha said. “You find out why she has such fatal power over her men at the end of the play.”

One would expect a play with such a powerful storyline to require a diverse and talented cast, which is exactly the case according to Onyeagocha.

“We always deal with a small cast,” Onyeagocha said. “Ihuoma is the name of the woman with the power, who is the lead character. And Ekwueme is her concubine — the last man.”

Philina Hutchinson is taking on the role of Ihuoma while Donovan Tyler is playing Ekwueme.

The characters are very in-depth and are a challenge to play, Tyler said.

“I have to put aside who I am and interpret every emotion, every part,” Tyler added. “I have to become someone else because it’s necessary in acting.”

Tyler, who also participated in “Things Fall Apart”, said his role in “The Concubine” is definitely different and a more fulfilling experience.

“In ‘Things Fall Apart,’ I played eight different characters,” he explained. “Now, playing just one character gives me a better opportunity to interpret who the character is and the character’s personality.”

Also starring in the play will be Eleke Ukpabi as Anyiaka, the village doctor; Malik Moore as Madhume, one of the men fated to die and Onome Ufomata as Emehike, the first husband of Ihuoma.

Like most productions, the set and costumes will also be used to portray the vividness and power of the storyline.

“Because I’m from Africa, I can shop around, whether at home or here, and I can pick up native things that can be used in all the plays that I do,” Onyeagocha said.

The production is using as close to African attire as possible, she added.

“Anyika is the native doctor and he will be in the traditional dress that the doctor wears,” Onyeagocha said.

Both Onyeagocha and Tyler are optimistic about the play.

“I’m still a little nervous because I’ve never played a role as big as this one,” Tyler said. “But I also feel excited. I feel privileged to be able to play the part of the concubine.”

Tyler said participating in the play proved to be an enriching experience. “It’s a lot of fun because I get a thrill out of acting in general,” he said. “I like sharing my abilities and talents with people who enjoy the performing arts.”

Onyeagocha said she is excited because people have enjoyed her plays in the past. “I haven’t heard any complaints yet,” she added.

“The Concubine” will be held on Saturday at 8 p.m. in Curtiss Auditorium. Tickets are $10, $5 in advance and will be available at the Union and at the door.