Another Episode Of Trauma on stage

Alan Moore, in one of his works, V for Vendetta, said: “People shouldn’t be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people.”

A scene from the play

On Theatre, recently, in Lagos, presented a play titled, Another Episode Of Trauma, where issues that bothered on security, politics, economy, intolerance and others were highlighted. The play x-rays how the government’s obstinacy affect people.

Another Episode Of Trauma tells the story of Joseph (Tunde Adeleke), whose younger sister is killed in the northern part of the country during the compulsory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

He is troubled by the thoughts of how Nigeria cannot protect its future leaders, and also, how a group of people will, in the name of religion; brutally send young Nigerians to their early graves.

Using a snide means, he attacks the group with his newspaper articles and cartoons. This brings him fame and a large following. He finds an ally in Tonia (Olakitan Bello), who is also crying for change. However, the two want to change through different means. While Joseph chooses the radical approach, Tonia wants anything that will not lead to bloodshed.

At first, the bosom friends worked with one mind until the belligerent nature of Joseph manifests, making Tonia tell Mariam (Grace Olufemi), Joseph’s wife, what her husband is up to.

Having gathered enough arms, Joseph launches out at his target group, using guerilla warfare. Unfortunately, he finds himself entangled in the web, as his opposing group overpowers him and kills all his family members, including his pregnant wife. Not able to stomach the misfortune, Joseph takes his own life.

Written by Temiloluwa Fosudo and directed by Ihenacho Moses, the play, apart from cautioning those fanning the embers of war.

The play calls on those in power to be responsive and responsible to the people, especially the weak that cannot really defend themselves or those in the group of Corps members that have dedicated themselves to serve their country, only be slaughtered like animals.

The tragedy that befalls Joseph’s family shows that war affects all, including those not directly concerned.

The performance of the actors was okay. So was the lighting. The technical director used different colours to show those nerve-wracking parts, which further aided comprehension.