Renowned Nigerian filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, shared insights on the enduring charm of stage plays in a recent interview. Despite the rise of cinema and streaming platforms, Afolayan emphasized that the stage continues to thrive, thanks to dedicated professionals.
Afolayan pointed out that stage plays, with their intricate details, hold a unique position in the entertainment industry. Unlike movies with a quick turnaround, staging a play can take up to six months for rehearsals alone. The director’s commitment spans a year, focusing solely on one project, a contrast to the fast-paced nature of filmmaking.
Kunle Afolayan explained, “Stage is more detailed. Stage, even just to re-rehearse sometimes would take six months depending on how ambitious or how detailed the play is.” Expressing concern about actors’ quick transitions between projects. Afolayan stressed the importance of attention to detail in performances.
Despite these challenges, he highlighted the cultural significance of live performances, attributing the resilience of stage plays to industry icons like Bolanle Austin Peters and Joke Silver.
Regarding the Netflix series spinoff of his movie “Anikulapo,” Afolayan revealed that the original plan was to create a series. However, due to initial challenges, they opted for a film first, which turned out to be a global success. The positive response paved the way for the upcoming series.
