In commemoration of its yearly Drama Day, the Drama Club of Atlantic Hall School, Poka, Epe presented a stage drama entitled, ‘Hopes for the Living Dead’.

Written by Ola Rotimi, it dramatises the historical lepers’ revolt that took place between 1928 and 1932. It was staged by a group of patients admitted into the General Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, for the purpose of an experimental treatment undertaken by a Scottish physician.

The story is centred around Ikoli Harcourt Whyte and the British administration that included the Senior Medical Officer, Superintendent of Police and many others in the administration. Leprosy is an infectious disease that appears on the skin and can destroy its nerves and flesh.

The drama acted out by the school students, depicted what we face here in real life, showing that government did not keep all its promises.

In the drama,  conflict started when Dr. Fergusson returned to London and his departure caused a stop in his research for the cure of leprosy, meaning that the patient’s hope of getting a cure went with him. His departure also put a stop to their medical treatment, leading to a lack of care for them. The children brilliantly demonstrated Africa’s plight where the government does not provide welfare for their citizens.

A key actor and student, Prince Evans Macaulay, shed light on the play’s central theme, which centered on the plight of those often neglected in the society. He highlighted the resilience of the lepers and their overlooked contributions to the society, emphasising the importance of empathy and understanding.

Another student actor, Tobi Fapounda, shared insights into the challenges faced during production, but highlighted the message of perseverance and hope portrayed in the play. He urged Nigerians to draw lessons from the drama in addressing societal issues.

Head of School, Atlantic Hall,  Adetayo David, praised the students for their remarkable performance and effective communication skills, despite the challenges encountered during production. According to him, he gained fresh insight and understanding into what the story was all about. We have the facility to hold the event on campus but we decided to use the Lagos theatre to give our students the opportunity to showcase themselves on a big stage where parents and other visitors can see what they are doing.”

PTA Chairperson, Madam Kemi Segun Abimbola, lauded the school for nurturing a platform where children can comfortably express themselves. She emphasised the importance of encouraging children to excel in many areas beyond academics, stating, “When you encourage children, it makes them do better.”

A parent, Tiria David West, expressed admiration for the opportunity the drama provided for the children to express themselves and delve into the nation’s history.

He emphasised the importance of nurturing talent beyond academics, stating, “It showcases the potential of the children and is an integral part of their holistic education.”

Another parent, Rev. Dr. Namsi Akwa, praised the performance for instilling lessons about decision-making and teamwork. She expressed pride in seeing the children understand their culture and take responsibility for themselves; commending the students’ dedication and the continuous improvement of the annual event.

As the curtains closed on ‘Hopes for the Living Dead’, attendees left with a renewed sense of hope and determination to effect positive change in their communities. The success of the production reaffirmed Atlantic Hall’s commitment to holistic education and the nurturing of talent in its students. Looking ahead, the Drama Club’s annual showcase promises to continue serving as a beacon of creativity and inspiration for both the school community and beyond. With each performance, the students reaffirm their ability to make a meaningful impact through the power of storytelling and performance art.