Obasanjo’s story, Aremu set to hit the stage

What is the best way to tell a man’s story than having knowledge of him and dining with him in his palace to learn about his day-to-day activities? How do you tell the story of Ebora Owu without knowing him deeply?

The theatre producer, Edgar Joseph, will be hitting the stage once again with his new play, Aremu, which tells the true character of the famous Owu son.

Aremu depicts the life and times of one of the country’s most celebrated and influential former presidents, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

Coming on the heels of his play, Emotan, which will be showing during the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), Aremu is expected to consolidate Edgar’s repertoire as a producer.

Written by former Artistic Director of National Troupe of Nigeria, Professor Ahmed Yerima, Aremu will take the audience through the birth of Obasanjo throwing up his triumphs and struggles as he builds one of the most enduring legacies in modern day Africa.

William Benson will be returning after the success of Oba Esugbayi last December to tell this story using some compelling songs and dances guaranteed to leave the audience in awe of the story.

Obasanjo has given his blessing to the project, which is expected to premiere in Abeokuta during festivities to mark his birthday next March, and from there, begin its three-year run through three continents.

According to Edgar, a lot of theatre buffs and audiences will see Aremu globally and the story will not only celebrate this very colourful and influential statesman, it will also serve to strengthen some of the values that he has spent almost all of his life propagating.

The project parades a brilliant technical team including the Deputy Chief Coordinator of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Ayo Aderinwale, who will double as the co-executive producer, while Bikiya Graham Douglas and Yemi Shodimu will be equally playing major roles in the production and Ibi Sofekun, former Managing Director of the Ogun State Printing Press, will serve as the technical coordinator.