Thespian Family Theatre celebrates Kongi @80

as The Lion and the Jewel, The Trials of Brother Jero light Freedom Park and Terra Kulture

Thespian Family Theatre and Productions with proven track records of producing successful stage shows with awesome reviews is self-saddled with the responsibility of celebrating 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 and recently staged Five Maids of Fadaka, one of their Signature plays at the MUSON centre, Lagos. They are yet again bringing two of Soyinka’s most popular plays, The Lion and the Jewel, and The Trials of Brother Jero to the theatre community and general public.  

Nigeria's relentless pursuit of social change has been faced with shared concerns and views which have shown that critical initiatives are needed to tackle some of the problems which have continued to plague the nation and retard her progress, these issues have been identified by several commentators to 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 a catalyst for the creation of social capital and the attainment of important community goals through the intrinsic messages of the plays.

In the words of the founder, Mrs. Ayodele Jaiyesimi “We have remained front liners in the doggedness that it is still possible to find essential spaces within which the performance arts persist as a critical force as a balanced agent for social change and development”.

The play, The Lion and the Jewel, being directed by Toyin Oshinaike focuses on several conflicts that Soyinka present but does not attempt to resolve. It features star actors like, Soibifaa Dokubo popularly known as ‘Waka’, Bharia McNwizu of the AMBO Fame, Patrick Diabuah and the world renowned Thespian Family Theatre Troupe. The director, Toyin Oshinake who has played Baroka in a couple of performances of the play says it is an interesting task for him directing the play for the first time and also challenging to throw something unique, not a show as he had seen or performed. The lead characters Lakunle and Baroka embody the contrary urges toward modernity and tradition. They personify the two sides of the major social and political issue in Africa during the last half of the twentieth century.

The Trials of Brother Jero is a light satiric comedy that takes aim at religious hypocrisy in the form of a charlatan, or fraud, named Brother Jero, who preaches to his followers at the Bar Beach area of Lagos, Nigeria. The Director, Olufemi Oke, is full of enthusiasm in his directorial styles and interpretation. In his words, Olufemi Oke says, “I have only seen this play on stage once and it was directed and performed by my students in the Department of Creative Arts, University of Lagos. It is therefore an opportunity to create something original, unique and without external directorial influences. It is such an opportunity to give it the best in my interpretation and I know the calibre of actors we have in the TFT Troupe will sure bring out the message of the play”.  The Trials of Brother Jero features Toju Ejoh, Ikechukwu Asonye, Lydian John, and a host of other Thespian Family Troupe members.

The shows are billed for July 19^th, 26^th, August 2^nd, 9^th, 16^th, 23^rd & 30^th. Thespian Family Theatre who has previously over the years held shows at MUSON, have chosen Freedom Park and Terra Kulture as the most ideal to reach both existing and new audience with the plays. The production company calls on the public to book a date with them come the dates above.

For enquiries: Contact

Victor:08034247870/0818335170/victor@thespianfamilytheatre.com/sirvicky69@gmail.com

Femi:08085768509/femi@thesipianfamilytheatre.com or femironaldo@yahoo.com