Hear word debuts in Abuja

The entertainment landscape of Abuja is set to explode in excitement, as Etisalat, Nigeria brings the stage drama performance, Hear Word!, to the nation’s capital today.

The performance marks the end of the highly acclaimed international tour of the play, which delivered performances in the prestigious Harvard University and Frascati Theatre in Amsterdam.

Hear Word is a powerful piece of performance that combines artistry, social commentary and true-life stories of inequality and transformation, delivered by some of Nigeria’s most talented actresses.

The stories are based on real issues affecting the lives of women across Nigeria and examine what factors limit their potential for independence, leadership and meaningful contribution.

The formidable theatrical ensemble of home grown actresses includes, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Joke Silva, Bimbo Akintola, Omonor, Elvina Ibru, Ufuoma McDermott, Zara Udofia-Ejoh, Debbie Ohiri, Rita Edward and Odenike will ensure the production continues to captivate audiences around the globe whilst also provoking thought and discuss.

The producer and director, Ifeoma Fafunwa, said the stage play, which has been consistently sponsored by Etisalat Nigeria, is a collection of stories of real life accounts that serve as an eye-opener to the plight of women. “The performance brings to our consciousness the need to broaden our perspectives on those socio-cultural and political issues that affect women,” she said.

Head, Events and Sponsorship, Etisalat Nigeria, Modupe Thani, said Hear Word! aligns with the company’s objective of creating and supporting creativity through arts in its various forms; literature, photography and performing arts. In line with our core existence, we promote innovation and technology and drive growth in various sectors that promote societal growth such as education, music, health, entrepreneurship and sports.

“We believe in providing platforms that foster expressions and communication in innovative ways, and we do this using different platforms that accommodate various talent groups. We instituted the Etisalat Prize for Literature and the Etisalat Prize for Innovation, and have sponsored Lagos Photo Festival and others, because we consider this as our way of contributing to the development of the society,” she said.