After its run on Lagos and Abeokuta stages in 2024, The Noble Warrior returns this weekend for King Kongi’s 91st birthday. Written by Cash Onadele, equally known as Aiye-ko-ooto, it is directed by Oriade Segun Adefila. The musical is a riveting tribute to the venerable writer, dramatist and Nobel laureate, Prof. Oluwole Akinwande Soyinka, popularly called Wole Soyinka, who is equally known as Eni Ogun, an acronym for Engaging National Interest on Good Governance, Understanding Nation-Building; the musical encapsulates Soyinka’s commitment to creating a just and equitable world, celebrates his birthday on Sunday, July 13.

The three-day theatrical feast, which holds at the Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos, is scheduled for July 11, 12 and 13, by 3:00pm and 6:00pm daily as part of the activities to honour the humanist, global citizen, literary icon and astute scholar.

Set in a fictional village in Africa and crafted with an emotional plot, the musical takes its audience through a journey that raises consciousness about friendship, humanity, love and nationalism.

It is a story of survival and hope for a country that is navigating the path of crisis that has changed the lives of its bulging youth population, forever.

Conceived as a communal feast and celebration of life, the play takes the audience through moments of theatrical ‘orgasm’.

Adefila invests in the musical, greater dimensions, intensity and complexity by introducing African elements that harmonise with the original theme but do not radically alter the nature of the theatrical engagement.

It offers a cultural critique to the colonial invasion of Africa and the condition of Africa after contact with Europe. While interrogating several issues at different levels, including love, leadership crisis, education, as an important ingredient for development, the pulsating theatrical performance blends music, songs and dance.

Playing the role of Oluwole (Soyinka), Oluwatosin Yormekpeh acknowledges the immense responsibility that beckons. “It’s a challenge, but also a privilege. You’re at the centre of it all, and you must give everything. This isn’t just another show, it’s intentional, intense and completely unique.”

Cast member Solanke Oluwatosin, who plays Olasope, adds that this version of the musical is educational and inspiring. “It’s more than entertainment. There’s so much to learn, especially as we honour a noble man like Soyinka.”

Friday Francis Olohuntimileyin sees the production as a noble undertaking. “We’re celebrating a man who stood for the nation and society. Everything he endured — even prison — we’re bringing that story to life.”

Actor Segun Moses, who portrays Apena, connects Soyinka’s activism with his own character. “He’s worth celebrating. His name carries weight. This is another opportunity to come and see the show, especially if you missed it last year.”

Stage manager and cast member Michael Okorie calls the musical’s style groundbreaking. “It’s something new. This hasn’t been done anywhere else in the world, and we’re doing it first.”

According to Adefila, “Eni Ogun is my story, your story, our story. There’s no pretense of perfection here. This production is more than a tribute to Soyinka; it’s a profound journey into the heart of the human experience, touching on themes of identity, resilience, and the soul of Africa itself.”