National Theatre celebrates Easter with Crown Troupe of Africa

The National Theatre, Lagos, held a four-day live performance in partnership with Crown Troupe of Africa with an Easter Opera titled: ‘Disloyal Judas from Good Friday to Easter Monday.’
 
The drama was meant to question the story of Judas and Jesus all over again.

According to artistic director, Crown Troupe Of Africa, Segun Adefila, when they called somebody a Judas, he or she feels very bad.

“If Jesus has been destined to come and die for us because all his journeys in life were preordained, where is the place of choice? The question we are raising with the performance was about destiny, action and choice.”

He disclosed that the live performance was meant to find out whether destiny could be altered.
 
“If Judas had said no, he cannot accept that money. If they had told him that they were going to kill Jesus. What would have happened? It is for us to reexamine. Instead of condemning and all of that.”

“It is for us to question the answer not to answer the question. If Jesus had said that: ‘Father take this cup away from me, I don’t want to die.’ What would have happened?”

Stage Manager of National Theatre, department of production and technical theatre services, Awele Ebe said the National Theatre has always been known as the home of culture.

“It is our mandate to preserve, present and promote the arts and culture of Nigeria. We have over the years been doing that. In recent times especially with our General Manager, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Prof. Sunny Ododo, we are doing more to partner with the theatre and cultural industry stakeholders to bring life back to the National Theatre. ”      

She disclosed that though the National Theatre is currently undergoing renovation, it was still very necessary for them to have those spaces so that the art does not die out.

“We want a place where people can experience life performances. Now, that live theatre culture is coming back. The National Theatre is at the forefront of that rebirth to ensure we did not fail on our mandate. That the youth of Nigeria are gainfully employed, educated on how they can support the country.”
 
She said they are facing challenges in changing the perception of the people about National Theatre. A lot of people thought that the National Theatre is not functioning any more.

“We still have the challenge of letting people know that the National Theatre is in full swing. We might have the constraints of using the main building yet, we the marquee that can still accommodate such events like live performance, drama.

“We have outdoor space that we are still using to hold so many other performances. This is a special event to drive crowd back to the National Theatre to show that life theatre is back. By the time we have paying shows they will want to be part of the experience,” she said.