FirstBank has reaffirmed its support for the growth of Nigeria’s creative industry through its sponsorship of Mary, a new musical theatre production staged at Eko Hotels & Suites as part of the Theatre @ Eko summer season and the hotel’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

The production, created and directed by Ice Nweke and produced and co-directed by Dr Iyadunni Gbadebo, brought the biblical story of Mary to life through music, drama, choreography and elaborate stage design, presenting audiences with a fresh interpretation of her journey of faith, obedience and divine purpose.

Rather than focusing solely on the birth of Jesus Christ, the musical explored Mary’s life before the Annunciation, portraying her compassion, devotion and personal trials, including her discernment in rejecting a deceptive suitor before embracing God’s purpose alongside Joseph.

The production culminated in the account of Christ’s birth, while underscoring themes of faith, sacrifice and resilience.

Speaking after the performance, Nweke described Eko Hotels as more than a hospitality brand, saying it has nurtured young creative talents over the years through its theatre productions.

Recalling his experience, he said he met an 11-year-old boy during auditions for an earlier production, Tropical Christmas Wonderland, noting that the child later became responsible for much of the soundtrack featured in the performance.

According to him, the hotel’s decision to create family-oriented theatrical productions has helped shape the careers of several young performers, many of whom have gone on to build successful careers beyond Nigeria.

He also acknowledged Gbadebo for providing the vision behind Theatre @ Eko, describing her as “the thread that holds everything together” and commended the cast and crew for bringing the production to life.

Gbadebo, who also serves as Director of Sales and Marketing at Eko Hotels & Suites, credited FirstBank’s support with helping to sustain the ambitious production, describing the financial institution as a partner that believes in developing African talent.

She said the production would not have been possible without sponsors who share the vision of taking African creative talent to the global stage.

Mary was the second production in Theatre @ Eko’s four-week July programme. The season opened with The Jewel, a multiverse musical staged on July 4 and 5, while Prideland 2: Reign of Queen Fara and Prideland 3: Return of King Baffa are scheduled for July 18 and 19 respectively.