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Five Top Famous Music Productions

By Franklin Igobude
15 July 2018   |   8:00 am
Theatre has always been a form of education, information and entertainment. Practitioners like Chief Herbert Ogunde and Kola Ogunmola were determined to rule the stage and be at the forefront of theatre practice locally and internationally. Over the past years, there has been a rise in the participation in theatre. Here are some of the…

Theatre has always been a form of education, information and entertainment. Practitioners like Chief Herbert Ogunde and Kola Ogunmola were determined to rule the stage and be at the forefront of theatre practice locally and internationally.

Over the past years, there has been a rise in the participation in theatre. Here are some of the biggest Nigerian theatrical productions of the last decade:

Hear Word

Hear Word. Photo: Guardian Nigeria

This play is a strong call-to-action for powerful feminist messages. Co-written and directed by Ifeoma Fafunwa, it provides a collection of monologues based on true-life stories of Nigerian women and the issues affecting them, from child abuse to health challenges.

The play boasts some of Nigeria’s finest actresses like Bimbo Akintola, Joke Silva, Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett and Ufuoma McDermott. It was so successful, it was the first play to be invited to perform at the Loeb Drama Centre, Harvard University and the prestigious American Repertory Theatre.

 Kakadu the Musical

Kakadu the Musical. Photo: Twitter

Kakadu is a historical musical set in Lagos in the 1960s after the end of colonialism. It tells the story of friends from various ethnic backgrounds living in the independent nation. It is a story of love, friendship and survival in spite of society’s discrimination against background and tribe.

The play, written by Uche Nwokedi, features appearances from the likes of Benneth Ogbeiwi, Lala Akindoju, Tina Mba and Norbert Young. The award-winning play is one of Nigeria’s major exports of creative arts, representing the nation at the 2014 World Economic Forum in Davis, Switzerland.

 Saro The Musical

Saro the Musical. Photo: Bolanle Austin Peters Productions

This play, produced by Bolanle Austen-Peters Production, is a rich showcase of Nigerian arts and culture. Set in modern Lagos, Saro is a celebration of migrants to the economic hub from other parts of Nigeria. It focusses on four talented young men who faced a series of challenges as they chased better fortunes in the “city of dreams”.

The play features the likes of Gideon Okeke, Patrick Diabuah, Paolo Sisiano and Ade Laoye. With its mesmerising fusion of African and Western sounds, the play has received standing ovations in Nigeria and the UK.

4. The Wives

The Wives. Photo: Red Media

The Wives is a hilarious comedy directed by Seke Somolu and produced by Kemi Lala Akindoju. The play sees four women trapped in a web of lies spun by their billionaire benefactor, Gbadegeshin. It revolves around their family after the patriarch passes away, and a will reading ceremony unravels secrets no one knew existed.

The Wives is punctuated by accusations of murder, incest and fraud. Prof Ahmed Yerima’s twist on this beautifully woven tale of polygamy is witty, humorous and full of lessons for all. The play had a star-studded cast consisting of the likes of Joke Silva, Kate Henshaw, Jide Kosoko, Iretiola Doyle and Akindoju.

Wakaa! The Musical

Wakaa The musical. Photo: Pulse NG

Wakaa! is an award-winning musical which tells the story of the trials, successes, and experiences of four young graduates with entirely different backgrounds having to deal with the realities that life has thrown at them. The musical takes you on an emotional roller coaster and serves as a strong satire of politics in Nigeria.

The cast includes the likes of Patrick Diabuah, Nengi Adoki, Bimbo Manuel, Dolapo Oni and Ozzy Agu. Wakaa! The Musical, a Bolanle Austin-Peters Productions play, broke records by becoming the first Nigerian musicals to make it to the London theatre scene.

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