As part of an effort at bringing the challenges the Nigerian woman faces every day to the front burner, and also proffering solutions to them, notable Nigerian actresses are coming together to stage a must-watch theatrical performance tagged ‘Hear Word’.
The actresses including; Joke Silva, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett and Iretiola Doyle, amongst others, are bringing the everyday issues of the ‘Naija’ woman to the front-burner in the stage play.
The stage play is not only an advocacy for the Nigerian woman; it also aims at celebrating the potential of the Nigerian woman. The show will run in two theatres (MUSON Centre andthe National Theatre), and a popular market place in Lagos.
Unveiling the stage play, the cast and rationale behind the series in a recent media parley held in Ikoyi Lagos, Ifeoma Fafunwa, the director and producer of the stage play, noted that ‘Hear Word! Naija Woman Talk True, is an exhilarating performance and art production that showcases true stories from 20 different Nigerian women. The aim, she stated, is to highlight the relevant issues and unite Nigerian women across all strata.
Explaining why the play is being staged in theatres across town, as well as, a market place, Fafunwa said it was to create as much awareness and also to proffer as much solutions as possible to the issues bearing in mind that many are getting more enlightened on the plight of women through the play platform.
“This production combines artistry, social commentary and true-life stories of transformation delivered by some of Nigeria’s best known and most talented actresses including Joke Silva, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett and Iretiola Doyle. These superb actresses offer us intimate view into the lives of the Nigerian woman irrespective of her socio-economic status. ‘Hear Word’ is funny and poignant. It will shock the sensibility, sear the soul, and alternately, warm and sadden the heart. The sharp wit woven through this incredibly moving production will keep the audience enthralled”, Fafunwa said.
“As a director and a woman, it is a gift to me to be able to tell these amazing true stories of women from all walks of life and all corners of Nigeria. “Hear Word!” takes the discussion on issues facing Nigerian women to a whole new level. The ultimate aim of showcasing the play across different venues, according to Fafunwa, is to bring these issues to the forefront of conversation in Nigeria.
“There is no doubt that there are so many issues confronting Nigerian women. The most recent is the abduction of almost 300 girls in Chibok, Bornu State. The role of women, not only in Nigeria, but also around the globe in the fight to bring back our girls is critical. Through this series of plays across Lagos, we hope to trigger similar and more concerted efforts towards resolving this and other issues. None of us here thinks it is going to be an easy task but we trust that once Nigerians “Hear Word!”, it will be most difficult to turn a deaf ear to these important issues”, she concluded.
Speaking at the media parley, Joke Silva noted that the stage play was dear to her heart because of the topical issues concerning women it is meant to address, and so also Iretiola Doyle, who hopes to use her good knowledge of Hausa language to create the needed awareness on challenges women face even in the 21st century.
However, the play stages at the Muson Centre and National Theatre Iganmu on Friday and Saturday – May 23, 24, 30, 31, 2014. The Friday play kicks off at 7:00pm, while Saturday holds at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
Tickets for the play are available online at Jumia.com, and Afritickets.com. Interested public get them at Quintessence and Terra Kulture.
