Manny Ita –
This past Easter Weekend has clearly ushered in a new era of growth for Nigeria’s theatrical arts scene. For the first time since it was reopened after renovation, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts collaborated with Terra Kulture to welcome an unprecedented number of theater patrons. A major aspect of this revival has been the bold “Powerfully Unapologetic” project; an exclusive series of plays produced by and featuring productions written and directed entirely by women. In doing so, the initiative marks a turning point in the artistic direction of the Nigerian theatre industry.
Leading the way has been the Duke of Shomolu’s “Dora”, a play about the late Professor Dora Akunyili directed by Dr. Toyin Bifarin Ogundeji. “Dora” has emotionally moved many in attendance through its powerful telling of Akunyili’s fight against fake medicines and serves as the cornerstone of a season dedicated to placing female viewpoints as central to the nation’s story. This effort, led by Mofoluwake Edgar, CEO, requires at least 70 percent of all actors and staff to be women which makes the theatre a place of gender focused empowerment and professional development.
In addition, The Crown Troupe of Africa has entertained large audiences at the Wole Soyinka Centre with “Dis-Loyal Judas”, a musical opera that re-imagines one of history’s most controversial characters using Afrobeats infused operatic style. The production uses traditional Yoruba chanting blended with highlife music making the theatre’s expansive yard become an interactive “Easter Village” for the performance to expand beyond the confines of the indoor venue. The combination of modern sound elements with traditional art forms have succeeded in bringing together both older generations who enjoy the classical aspects of theatre along with younger demographics that are driven by music.
The recent success of these theatres represents a positive return on investment regarding the billions invested in the creative sector in the previous two years.
