Oluwapelumi Ogunsola’s thought-provoking stage play, “Wives and Mothers,” from the stable of her privately owned Theatre Company Ektaktos Productions has garnered widespread praise from Nollywood heavyweights for its poignant portrayal of the complexities of family dynamics and the evolving roles of women in society.

The stage play, which was first published in 1989 written by Seinde Arogbofa, has been described as a masterpiece that tackles the sensitive topic of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships with nuance and depth.

The stage play, which was the first production of Ogunsola Oluwapelumi as a Producer, premiered at the Olusegun Obansanjo Presidential Library Auditorium, Abeokuta in Ogun state, on 27th of December 2021, it’s got the attention of the residents and also people outside the state.

Prominent Nollywood stars, including filmmakers and theatre practitioners commended, OGUNSOLA for bringing such a story into life.

They noted that the stage play was a testament to the power of storytelling in sparking crucial conversations about gender, tradition, and identity.

Nollywood star Samuel Olasehinde said, “I must say, I was thoroughly impressed by the way Ogunsola did the stage play of Arogbofa’s work.

“The play’s exploration of the unhealthy rivalry between mothers and daughters-in-law is both haunting and thought-provoking. It is a topic that is often swept under the carpet, but this stage play was able to shed light on it with sensitivity and expertise.”

Olasehinde, who has played various roles in films and stage productions, commended Olayinka’s ability to craft relatable characters.

He emphasised the play’s relevance in contemporary society.

“Despite being written decades ago, ‘Wives and Mothers’ remains a powerful commentary on the challenges faced by women in African families. It is a reminder that our societal norms and expectations often put undue pressure on women, and it is time we rethink these traditions,” he noted.

Also, actor Tobi Makinde commended Ogunsola for using the stage play to shed light on the often-overlooked struggles of women in African families.

“The play’s portrayal of the complexities of family dynamics is both poignant and thought-provoking,” Makinde said.

Makinde, who has won numerous awards for his performances, noted that OGUNSOLA’s stage play encourages empathy and understanding.

“The play reminds us that every individual has their own struggles and aspirations. By exploring these complexities, the stage play encourages us to be more compassionate and supportive of one another,” he stated.

Makinde also praised Ogunsola’s bold approach to addressing societal issues.

“Wives and Mothers is a timely reminder of the need for change in our societal norms. The work challenges us to question our assumptions and rethink our values,” he added.

Dr Adeyinka Ola Williams, former chairman of NANTAP hailed OGUNSOLA’s ability to produce a brilliant performance.

He added, “The play’s exploration of the complexities of African families was successfully carried out in the performance , the actors did justice to their roles bringing the play to life, we had an awesome time in the theatre as the play was relatable to all, other aesthetics added beauty to the family drama, such as the set design, properties, costumes, makeup, lighting etc. Ogunsola gave us a professional class stage play in the City of Abeokuta and The National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners ( NANTAP) are truly impressed by this performance, little wonder she is the youngest leading theatre practitioner. She is indeed a genius in her craft.“

Dr Chris Omotosho, a profound poet, artiste and theatre Practitioner , in line commented saying “it’s a beautiful evening, the play been published decades ago is still very relevant till date.The audience enjoyed watching African homes performed live on the stage. I’ve known Ogunsola for over a decade, so I wasn’t disappointed with the excellent performance.”

Similarly, a former Head of Service in Ogun state, Engr Lanre Bisiriyu, applauded Ogunsola’s bold approach to addressing societal issues.

“Wives and Mothers is a timely reminder of the need for change in our societal norms. The work challenges us to question our assumptions and rethink our values.

“The play’s portrayal of the complexities of family dynamics encourages us to think critically about our societal norms and expectations,” he noted.

Bisiriyu stressed the importance of preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage through storytelling.

He further said,” We need stage plays like this happening in Abeokuta to entertain us and make the town more lively for the residents most especially towards Festive seasons. Congratulations to Ogunsola Oluwapelumi for a successful production . This is a rebirth to private theatres in Abeokuta.

As the curtains drew open, Seinde Arogbofa’s timeless classic, “Wives and Mothers,” unfolded on stage, transporting the audience to a world of complex relationships, societal expectations, and the evolving roles of women in African families.

Written in 1989, “Wives and Mothers” remains a powerful commentary on the challenges faced by women in African societies. The play revolves around the intricate web of relationships within a contemporary Nigerian household, where tradition and modernity collide.

At the center of the play is Mama, a conventional mother deeply rooted in tradition, who believes in self-sacrifice and the nurturing of her family above all else and Paulina a beautiful young woman who believes in modernity and independence . Mama’s perspectives are challenged by the younger generation, particularly Paulina her daughters, who are more modern in their outlook and prioritize personal growth and independence leaving Kunle her son in the middle of this conflict not able to decide where to stand in his home, as he is left with a choice to either pick his mum or his wife.

As the story unfolds, the audience is drawn into a world of generational conflict, where the past and present collide. The play expertly weaves together themes of gender roles, societal pressures, and personal identity, raising essential questions about the value systems and expectations imposed on women.

Through realistic dialogue and conflicts within the family, “Wives and Mothers” sheds light on the emotional toll of sacrifices made by women and encourages audiences to rethink traditional norms. The play’s exploration of the unhealthy rivalry between mothers and daughters-in-law is both haunting and thought-provoking.

One of the most striking aspects of “Wives and Mothers” is its ability to spark vital conversations about family, tradition, and the evolving roles of women in modern society. The play encourages empathy and understanding, reminding us that every individual has their own struggles and aspirations.

OGUNSOLA’s masterful storytelling is complemented by the play’s well-crafted characters, each with their own unique struggles and desires. From Mama’s unwavering dedication to her family and Paulina’s quest for independence, each character is expertly nuanced, making them relatable and empathetic.

The play’s setting, a contemporary Nigerian household, provides a fitting backdrop for exploring the complexities of family dynamics. The audience is immersed in a world of cultural traditions, social expectations, and personal aspirations, highlighting the universality of the play’s themes.

“Wives and Mothers” is more than just a play; it’s a reflection of the societal changes Nigeria has undergone over the years. The play encourages critical thinking, challenging audiences to question their assumptions and rethink their values.

As the curtains drew closed, the audience was left to ponder the play’s thought-provoking themes, a member of the audience bought tickets twice for herself and her friends saying she couldn’t have enough of the play with majority of the audience commenting that they will love to have more of the stage play in Abeokuta.

“Wives and Mothers” stage play is a testament to the power of storytelling in sparking crucial conversations about gender, tradition, and identity. It’s a reminder that, even decades after its initial publication, Arogbofa’s work remains a relevant and timely commentary on the challenges faced by women in African families.

With its poignant portrayal of family dynamics,the play “Wives and Mothers” is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of African society.