Three weeks after it staged Emir Sanusi, a play that depicted the life of the 14th Emir of Kano, the Duke of Shomolu Productions is set to stage four historical plays in December in Lagos.
Its Executive Chairman, Mr Joseph Edgar, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos that the success of Emir Sanusi staged simultaneously in Lagos and Abuja, created a momentum the theatrical firm wanted to sustain.
“For four years we have been staging plays with very strong historical content. Nigerians have started responding to the vision as can be seen by the crowds that have attended all the shows in the various parts of the country they were staged.
“We have staged massive productions like Isale Eko, Emotan, Ogiame Erejuwa 11, Ufok Ibaan, amongst others, in various cities including Lagos, Abeokuta, Benin, Uyo, Warri and, most recently, Abuja.
“Emir Sanusi drew massive crowds, including the former Emir who watched both shows in the two cities.
“In December, Ufok Ibaan and Ogiame Erejuwa II, written and directed by William Benson; Awo, written and directed by Makinde Adeniran, and Our Duke Has Gone Mad Again, written and directed by Segun Adefila, would all be staged in four consecutive weekends in December.
“Ufok Ibaan, which is a depiction of the Ikot Abasi women’s uprising of 1929, was staged in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, to massive applause while Ogiame Erejuwa was also staged in Warri with the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, Dein of Agbo and the Asagba of Asaba in attendance.
“The need to bring these wonderful productions to the Lagos audience cannot be over emphasised.
“Awo was staged at the Glover Memorial Hall in Lagos and attracted Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabimiala, and Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The play received massive applause.
Our Duke Has Gone Mad Again is a modern contemporary pseudo monologue take on contemporary issues affecting Nigeria. It leans heavily on the writings of Edgar, who runs a column in a national newspaper.
“The play takes a satirical look at leadership, society, sex, family and other such issues that engage Nigerians.
“Using satire and hard hitting humor, the play delivers engrossing punchline that captivates audiences,” he explained.
Edgar affirmed that an estimated 10,000 people were expected to physically see the plays with one million others expected to follow them online via a robust live streaming initiative.
He disclosed that corporate outfits like First Bank of Nigeria, Zenith Bank, Purple Group, amongst others, had stated interest in the “mini festival”. (NAN)
