14th Century ‘Isale Eko’ for stage

Following a success last May Day at the MUSON Centre with his debut stage production, ‘Loud Whispers’ which had Ali Baba as the lead character, Joseph Edgar is teaming up with the usual suspects, Olisa Adibua as co-executive producer and versatile director, William Benson for another play set in 14th Century Lagos. It will feature […]

Following a success last May Day at the MUSON Centre with his debut stage production, ‘Loud Whispers’ which had Ali Baba as the lead character, Joseph Edgar is teaming up with the usual suspects, Olisa Adibua as co-executive producer and versatile director, William Benson for another play set in 14th Century Lagos.
It will feature Abiola Atanda aka Madam Kofo, Yemi Shodimu, Patrick Doyle and Adesua Etomi. Others are RMD, Femi Jacobs, Kayla Oniwo and Gideon Okeke who will be backed by a supporting cast of 100 hundred actors, dancers and musicians.
The production which was inspired by Ayo Bhadmus but written and directed by William Benson, is set in 14th century Lagos where the struggle for power between two very prominent and powerful ruling houses sets the stage for an epic battle for control.
Focusing in part on the control of the very profitable trade in slave on the back of the abolition of the inhuman trade by the British, the story gets interesting with the admixture of deep feelings between the prince of one of the warring royal houses with a slave girl from the Benin kingdom who inadvertently happens to be the Oba’s favourite daughter. This brings the legendary might of the Bini kingdom into the equation leading to unexpected consequences and a defining climax.
A statement by the organizers said, the play is styled to accommodate the gravel voiced renditions of Brymo fresh from his latest hit track, ‘Alajo Shomolu.’
“It will boldly weave modern day ballads into an ancient story, carefully taking the audience into a deliberate realm of the old and the new,” it read.
The producers have revealed that this would be the first time that auditions would be made on social media as other cast members would be expected to go on their social media handles to record themselves and send in their shots from where they will be invited for the physical auditions. This according to them is designed to increase the level of engagement and interaction between the public and the production.
Lagos remains a very strategic part of Nigeria and as it celebrates its 50th next year, Isale Eko will celebrate Lagos, throw up its cultures and tradition, celebrate its diversity and further position it as the most important outpost in  Nigeria.
‘Isale Eko’ will be a major theatre outing for THISDAY Glitterati editor, Nseobong Okon-Ekong who is one of its producers.
Isale Eko promises to redefine the theatre experience while showcasing the rich cultural diversity of Lagos and its people.