Thespian Family Theatre and Productions bring two of Soyinka’s most popular plays, The Lion and the Jewel, andThe Trials of Brother Jero to the theatre. These productions are a tribute to one of Africa’s literary icons, Professor Wole Soyinka as he turns 80 in July. The production company is an emerging leader in the theatre space with an aspiration of building community through the platform of the performance arts.
In Nigeria’s relentless pursuit of social change, concerns have been raised about critical initiatives needed to tackle some of the problems that plague the nation and retard its progress. These issues include societal issues about power, tradition, culture, loyalty, deceit, double standard living and hope.Thespian Family Theatre and Productions has carefully chosen both plays for performance to once again serve as atrigger for thoughts around these issues through the intrinsic messages of the plays.
The play, The Lion and the Jewel, being directed by Toyin Oshinaike and features star actors like, Soibifaa Dokubopopularly known as ‘Waka’, Bharia McNwizu of the AMBO Fame, Patrick Diabuah and the renowned Thespian FamilyTheatre Troupe.
Toyin Oshinake who has played ‘Baroka’, one of the lead characters in a couple of performances of the play, brings to life this really interesting and engaging play, this time as a Director. For him, it is an interesting challengeto bring out something unique, not a show as he had seen or performed in.
The lead characters ‘Lakunle’ and ‘Baroka’embody the conflicts between modernity and tradition. They personify the two sides of the major social and political issues in Africa during the last half of the twentieth century.
The Trials of Brother Jero is a light satiric comedy onreligious hypocrisy in the form of a charlatan, or fraud, named Brother Jero.
The Director, Olufemi Oke is enthusiastic that the theatre would do justice to the interpretation of the play. In his words, Olufemi Oke says, “I have seen this play on stage once and this is therefore an opportunity to create something original, unique anddelightfully different to bring out the message of the play.
“The Trials of Brother Jero features Toju Ejoh, and a host of other members of the Thespian Family Theatre Troupe.
“The shows are billed for July 19th, 26th, August 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th at Freedom Park and Terra Kulture. Tickets are available at HealthPlus, Terrakulture and TFT Villa. This is one production you don’t want to miss.”
