The Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA) held the July edition of its TALP X showcase on Saturday, 19 July, at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos, presenting four stage productions developed and performed by its trainees.
The quarterly platform, designed to bridge training with practice, ran from 2 pm to 5 pm and brought together emerging talents to present original works created through the academy’s Action Learning Project (TALP). The initiative allows participants to collaborate in production teams, applying skills acquired during their training in scriptwriting, sound and lighting design, animation, and art entrepreneurship.
The showcase opened with Gbas Gbos, a family-centred drama depicting the fallout of a domestic dispute. The performance examined the intersections of culture, relationships, and accountability, sparking conversations on the dynamics of family life.
You Say! shifted the mood with a blend of live music and stand-up comedy. Using rhythm and humour, the performance explored relatable stories that connected with the audience.
The third production, Endgame, presented a study of toxic relationships, portraying the emotional and psychological challenges they create. The play underscored the significance of self-worth and setting personal boundaries.
Closing the evening was Jigida, a socio-political piece that addressed entrenched patriarchal practices and highlighted the role of collective action in driving social change. The story followed a group of women as they confronted systemic structures within their community.
Reflecting on the event, Bamike Olawunmi-Adenibuyan, media personality, actress, and TAFTA brand ambassador, said, “I learnt a lot. I was entertained, it was educative and I will do it again. Shout out to TAFTA and BAP.”
JO Umoibom, Academy Lead at TAFTA, highlighted the importance of TALP X in the academy’s curriculum, stating, “At Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA), we believe that when we train our participants, we give them this opportunity to practice what they have learnt. From learnings and rehearsals to today, they are performing on the biggest theatre stage in Nigeria.”
Founded by theatre and film director Bolanle Austen-Peters, TAFTA delivers free world-class training supported by the Mastercard Foundation. Through a mix of digital and in-person teaching, the academy equips young Nigerians with the skills and mentorship needed to enter the creative sector.
The July edition of TALP X was fully booked, showing the academy’s role in nurturing new voices in Nigerian theatre and storytelling.
