“A Long Wait on the Moon” takes centre stage at MUSON festival
The Royal Crown Theatre is set to present A Long Wait on the Moon at this year’s MUSON Festival. The highly anticipated production, written by Dr. Akinwumi Sesan, will take centre stage at the Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre in Onikan, Lagos, with two performances scheduled for Saturday, October 19th.
The play, which serves as the 2024 Chevron Festival Drama, ingeniously uses a psychiatric hospital setting as a metaphor for the nation’s current state of affairs. Through a blend of music, dance and dramatic performance, it delves into the psychological impact of economic hardship on ordinary citizens.
“Our characters aren’t suffering from typical ailments like malaria or typhoid,” explains the playwright Sesan. “Instead, they’re grappling with mental health challenges brought on by the country’s economic situation.” This unique approach to addressing social issues through theatre has garnered attention for its innovative storytelling technique.
Emmanuel Esiakpere, the artistic director, emphasises the symbolic nature of the setting, noting that while the characters appear to be psychiatric patients, their conditions reflect the broader societal stress caused by economic challenges. The production concludes with a powerful message about shared responsibility, embodied in the Yoruba proverb “àgbájọwo la n fi sọ yà” – highlighting the importance of collective action in achieving good governance.
Under the leadership of Professor Muyiwa Awodiya, the production features a stellar cast including Dr. Leke Ogunfeyimi, Dr. Sanjo Isaac Ilori and Owoyemi Alaameen Ademola. Dr. Felix Keji Faniran heads the musical direction, incorporating vibrant performances that promise to enhance the theatrical experience.
“Despite addressing serious issues, the play employs comedy to help audiences find relief from their daily stresses,” Professor Awodiya explains. “It’s a momentary poetic escape from our contemporary challenges, carefully crafted to entertain while promoting reflection.”
The drama is a highlight of the 28th MUSON Festival, themed “REVIVAL,” which opened on October 13th with an Art Exhibition and Brunch, followed by the opera Dido & Aeneas. The festival’s diverse programme includes the MusicQuest Grand Finale, My Kind of Music, and Collabo: Music Meets Technology, culminating in a Jazz Party on October 25th.
A Long Wait on the Moon will be performed twice on Saturday, with a matinee at 12 pm and an evening show at 5 pm. The production promises to be a thought-provoking examination of Nigerian society, wrapped in an entertaining package that combines drama, music and dance.
As economic pressures continue to affect Nigerian citizens, this timely production offers both entertainment and social commentary, making it a must-see event at this year’s MUSON Festival. Audiences can expect a unique theatrical experience that addresses serious social issues while providing much-needed comic relief.
“A Long Wait on the Moon” takes centre stage at MUSON festival
The Royal Crown Theatre is set to present A Long Wait on the Moon at this year’s MUSON Festival. The highly anticipated production, written by Dr. Akinwumi Sesan, will take centre stage at the Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre in Onikan, Lagos, with two performances scheduled for Saturday, October 19th.
The play, which serves as the 2024 Chevron Festival Drama, ingeniously uses a psychiatric hospital setting as a metaphor for the nation’s current state of affairs. Through a blend of music, dance and dramatic performance, it delves into the psychological impact of economic hardship on ordinary citizens.
“Our characters aren’t suffering from typical ailments like malaria or typhoid,” explains the playwright Sesan. “Instead, they’re grappling with mental health challenges brought on by the country’s economic situation.” This unique approach to addressing social issues through theatre has garnered attention for its innovative storytelling technique.
Emmanuel Esiakpere, the artistic director, emphasises the symbolic nature of the setting, noting that while the characters appear to be psychiatric patients, their conditions reflect the broader societal stress caused by economic challenges. The production concludes with a powerful message about shared responsibility, embodied in the Yoruba proverb “àgbájọwo la n fi sọ yà” – highlighting the importance of collective action in achieving good governance.
Under the leadership of Professor Muyiwa Awodiya, the production features a stellar cast including Dr. Leke Ogunfeyimi, Dr. Sanjo Isaac Ilori and Owoyemi Alaameen Ademola. Dr. Felix Keji Faniran heads the musical direction, incorporating vibrant performances that promise to enhance the theatrical experience.
“Despite addressing serious issues, the play employs comedy to help audiences find relief from their daily stresses,” Professor Awodiya explains. “It’s a momentary poetic escape from our contemporary challenges, carefully crafted to entertain while promoting reflection.”
The drama is a highlight of the 28th MUSON Festival, themed “REVIVAL,” which opened on October 13th with an Art Exhibition and Brunch, followed by the opera Dido & Aeneas. The festival’s diverse programme includes the MusicQuest Grand Finale, My Kind of Music, and Collabo: Music Meets Technology, culminating in a Jazz Party on October 25th.
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A Long Wait on the Moon will be performed twice on Saturday, with a matinee at 12 pm and an evening show at 5 pm. The production promises to be a thought-provoking examination of Nigerian society, wrapped in an entertaining package that combines drama, music and dance.
As economic pressures continue to affect Nigerian citizens, this timely production offers both entertainment and social commentary, making it a must-see event at this year’s MUSON Festival. Audiences can expect a unique theatrical experience that addresses serious social issues while providing much-needed comic relief.
•Featured image: Akinwumi Sesan/MUSON
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