‘King Jaja of Opobo,’ ‘The Concubine,’ loud for Rivers at 50 celebration

This is definitely cheering news for lovers of quality stage productions, as River State Government plans to stage two iconic plays, King Jaja of Opobo and Concubine to mark its 50th anniversary celebration. The carefully selected creative works are the stage adaptation of Elechi Amadi’s globally acclaimed novel, Concubine and the play on the great nationalist, King Jaja of Opobo, written by Miesonuwa Minima.

Interestingly, some leading Nollywood stars will wow audiences on stage in both plays. Leading the cast of King Jaja of Opobo is multi-talented actress, TV personality and ace producer, Monalisa Chinda-Coker, an Ikwerre lady from Rivers State. Other talented thespians include, Norbert Young, Francis Duru, Bimbo Manuel, and Walter Anga, among many others.

Interestingly, Concubine, adapted for stage by Imo Edward, has famous faces such as: Segun Arinze, Ebele Okaro, Onyeka Onwenu, Joy Ngadi and others as leading cast members. King Jaja of Opobo’s performance will hold on Thursday, May 18, that of Concubine is expected to hold on Tuesday, May 23. Venue for both plays is the upscale Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, while the time is 6pm.

These golden jubilee performances, which are already serenading Rivers State and its environs, are productions of Thespian Crew Consult, under the supervision of the Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

One of the principal actors, Monalisa Chinda-Coker, hailed the state governor, Nyesom Wike, for celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the state on its 50th anniversary.

“We want to revive the era of stage productions with these two great works that have a lot to tell about our rich culture,” she said. “Congrats to my state on this historic celebration. I’m proud to come from this great state. We all must join hands to make Rivers great again and the time is now.”