Arojah Theatre launches ‘Cultural Diplomacy Initiative’ with Dance of Death

The venue was the premises of the Embassy of Sweden and the stage was the living room of the Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Svante Kilander. And the audience, a select group of top Nigerian officials, members of the diplomatic corps, theatre managers, producers, critics, writers and other friends of the Swedish Embassy in Nigeria.One may not […]

The venue was the premises of the Embassy of Sweden and the stage was the living room of the Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Svante Kilander. And the audience, a select group of top Nigerian officials, members of the diplomatic corps, theatre managers, producers, critics, writers and other friends of the Swedish Embassy in Nigeria.
One may not know the reason for the choice of venue but one thing is certain, one of the major challenges facing the theatre in Nigeria has been that of funding and space. “There is not a single theatre space in Abuja and the halls available are too expensive for us to afford in the business sense of the word. That’s how we find ourselves here. Call it ‘Parlour Performance’, if you choose,” Om’Oba Jerry Adesewo said.
The actors were a delight to watch. For close to an hour or more, they held their audience hostage, except for occasional burst of laughter in response to some funny actions on stage.
Oluwaseun Odukoya was exceptional in her interpretation of her role as Alice. Oluwatoba Oyewole wowed the audience with his baritone voice and the comic relief he brought to bear. And as Prince Anayochukwu Onukhagha described it, “he was simply living his destiny”. Promise Ebichi is no doubt a revelation.
“It is one of the best shows I have seen in recent time and I think this group should not just be commended but encouraged. Those guys are simply wonderful. The quality of their delivery and the interpretation of roles are simply breathtaking.” Hon. (Prof.) Chudi Uwazurike, actor, playwright and politician commented after the show.
Directed by Jibrin Ahmed, the two part play is about a half-crazed married couple locked together in splenetic isolation. Edgar, a garrison captain and his wife, Alice, a thwarted actor, prepare to celebrate 25 years of married torment in the fortress they laughably call home. Half-starved and seething with contempt for everyone on the island, they fall with glee on Alice’s cousin, Kurt, who arrives to be the new quarantine master. Since it was Kurt who brought them together, he becomes a weapon in their domestic warfare, as well as someone to confide in. But, contaminated by their viral passion, Kurt eventually beats a retreat leaving the pair in a state of exhausted reconciliation.
Addressing the audience before the play, H.E. Mr. Svante Kilander revealed his excitement at the opportunity to introduce an aspect of the Swedish culture to the Nigerian audience. “August Strindberg is a foremost Swedish playwright and having the opportunity to share one of his very famous works which I believe most Nigerians can connect with is a great venture.”
On his part, Artistic Director of Arojah Royal Theatre, Om’Oba Jerry Adesewo said,“This is just another of our effort in employing the theatre as a social force and we are greatful to the Swedish Embassy and Ericsson for making this possible. We call it ‘Cultural Diplomacy Initiative’ and is intended to use theatre as a tool for cultural diplomacy.”
Other members of the cast and crew of Dance of Death, which is scheduled to tour some selected tertiary institutions in Nigeria include Lizzy Popoola as Old Woman, Nwankwo Ijeoma as Jenny, Pope Egbuche as Technical Director and Adesewo Fayaman Bay who is the Director of Productions of Arojah Royal Theatre as production/Stage Manager.