With Ikpemaba, Bigway Theatre Takes Advocacy For Patriotism To Abuja Stage

Posted by Timige, On 7 Nov, 2023 | Updated On 7 Nov, 2023 No Comments »

A theatre company, Bigway Theatre Company, has just staged their inaugural play titled, Ikpemaba, before Abuja audience. The presentation featured Nollywood veteran, Francis Duru. Others are, Osazuwa Ehibor, Chukwuka Damian, Sam Olajide and other Abuja-based performers.

Set in Benin, Edo State, Ikpemaba tells the story of the king’s over-ambitious drummer known as Ikpemaba. He commits a sacrilege by demanding to be given a vacant prestigious chieftaincy title.

Encouraged by his first wife, Ikpemaba refuses to play for the King. He believes he is indispensable but towards the end of the play, a replacement walks into the palace and Ikpemaba is sacrificed to the gods.

The play whose dominant theme highlights the dispensability of man also calls for patriotism over personal gains and aggrandizement. It is a quick reminder of the dire consequences of greed, which is an obvious cankerworm bedeviling Nigeria. The artistic splashes of dance and music stole the attention of the audience.

The well-researched costumes and make-up echoed its cultural essence and allure. Commending the play, a member of the audience, Ephraim Matthias described it as the best way to end a day.

“The message of the play is deep and timely. It leaves the deep need to be patriotic and committed to collective growth rather than personal growth. Ikpemaba’s action is a clear picture of our leaders who are fixated on their interests over that of the nation.”

On what inspired the staging of the play, the director and producer of the play, Dr. Agoma Awaritoma, revealed that the play is a beautifully crafted Benin play. He added that in the business of theatre and entertainment, each of them has specifics after his voyage into academia in the last nine years.

“I wanted to do Broadway theatre but you cannot take the name used in the US. I was looking for something closer and so, Bigway was birthed. Here we are today at the inaugural performance of the Bigway Theatre. We are making a comeback. We hold performance every quarter, then in October, we run them all and it has been a success.

“Gradually, theatre is picking up in Abuja. We call on the private sector to invest in theatre shows. We are glad it is picking up but we can do more.”

Also speaking, Mr. Francis Duru, who played the character, Oba, talked about the play and the challenges encountered in the course of production.

Noting that it was a normal stage play, he however recalled the process of characterization, rehearsing into different parts of the production, rehearse for lines, rehearse for blocking, rehearse for meaning and staying in character.

“The major challenge I had was the ill health of my younger brother. It was heavy on me and the ability to go through that and still be part of other productions.

“My younger brother eventually passed on but rehearsals still had to go on and I had to go bury him and come back. You won’t know I went through all of that if I didn’t tell you; that is the professionalism of the craft.”

Also, the Acting Director, Art and Culture Department, Federal Capital Territory Administration, who is equally the chairman, National Association of Nigerian Theatre Art Practitioners (NANTAP), Mr. Kayode Aiyegbusi, eulogizing the play said it was a very refreshing moment as Abuja has had a dearth of live presentations.

“We have not been having so much of this. So, it is very refreshing to see life theatre come to Abuja – a traditional play like Ikpemaba, which has a very profound messages. I was so glad and you know seeing the play, the production, the cast, everything about it was top-notch.

“I feel so good that the play is announcing life theatre in Abuja. We are trying to use NANTAP to encourage producers and to do a lot of life theatre. We are trying to bring back theatre to the cultural centre as it should be”, he said.

Source: State Abuja - Guardian

Do you have question or opinion about this post? Make it in the comment below.

Please Share with Your Friends/Followers

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•