Blending Haitian and Nigerian traditions, “Unexpected Love” captures the American college experience through the lens of international students Ada, Jean, Marie and Nnamdi.
Experience the whirlwind journey of friendship and blossoming young love in this heart warming, music filled, romantic comedy.
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CONCEPT
A colorful reminder of how love can create change and unite differences in beautiful ways, the story of “Unexpected Love” offers a source of cultural pride for the diaspora. We invite the older generation to reminisce their college years and personal love stories, while we empower the newer generation to explore their unique passions and the joys of being young.
SETTING
& TONE
With fun and memorable songs for every special moment, this bright and heart-warming story showcases the vibrancy of Haitian, Nigerian and American culture as our main characters Ada, Jean, Marie and Nnamdi navigate their four year college experience at Fort Lauderdale International.
THEMES
An International Perspective on the American College Experience Exploring:
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The Sweet and Bitter Moments of First Love
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The Beauty in Differing
Cultural Norms -
The Joys and Struggles of
College Living -
Gaining Independence as a
Young Adult
REAL LIFE INSPIRATION
It’s a classic tale of love at first sight until cultural traditions get in the way. For Aly it’s easy, he has found the girl of his dreams. He loves her and she loves him. But for Obianuju Sandra Madueke , life is never that simple. Coming from a long lineage of a prominent Nigerian, Ibo family, there are certain expectations she must uphold. Marrying a Nigerian, preferably one from her same tribe, is one of those expectations.
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While Aly’s charm and wit has won him the love of his life, his Haitian origins may pose a bit of a problem for Sandra and her family. Despite all odds, Aly wins over the hearts of Obianuju Sandra Madueke’s parents, creating a beautiful cross-cultural romance that has survived to this day. Still happily married, 10 year’s later, Aly and Obianuju Sandra Madueke bring you a story about how Unexpected Love overcame disapproval, heartbreak and cultural tension.
