Jos Repertory Theatre (JRT) is set to celebrate its 25th anniversary with a special showcase of two iconic plays from its repertory, performed over two weekends in Jos and Abuja.
Founded with a vision to create unforgettable theatre performances and artistic collaborations, JRT has spent a quarter-century consistently presenting live theatre, play readings, radio drama and community-focused “theatre for development”.
The organisation is also known for its annual event, the Jos International Festival of Theatre (JIFT), now in its 16th edition, which provides an alternative dialogue platform for the city, using international plays to explore themes like humanity, gender issues, tolerance and relationships.
The anniversary celebrations will feature a double bill of memorable works including Toyin Oshinaike’s Wat’s Dis All About: A comedy exploring the premise of what might happen if the Messiah were to arrive in Nigeria. The play highlights the varied expectations of different segments of society—from the common person waiting for basic needs to the wealthy seeking to further their fortunes.
Also, Zulu Sofola’s Wedlock of the Gods, often described as an African Romeo and Juliet story, JRT presents this tragedy as a study in what one is willing to live and die for. The plot centres on a protagonist who defies the tradition of marrying her deceased husband’s brother, choosing instead to marry her true love, whom she was initially denied. Her late husband’s mother, however, is convinced her son was murdered and is set on a path of revenge, leading to tragic outcomes for the lovers, their families and the community.
The plays will be performed in Jos on November 7 and 8 at the Alliance Française premises, and in Abuja on November 14 and 15 at the British Council premises.
Both performances will be preceded by a 25-year exhibition featuring archives from the Jos Repertory Theatre’s history.
The Jos Repertory Theatre’s 25th-anniversary celebration is proudly supported by the British Council as part of its Creative Showcase Programme, an initiative designed to strengthen local creative communities by providing access to resources and space. Additional support is provided by the MacArthur Foundation, GrandTowers, Maisie Pearl and Oluwanifemi Bolatito Foundation, alongside numerous individual supporters in Jos and Abuja.
