Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva set new Nigerian stage record

With twelve shows in the basket and twelve more to come, the all Nigerian cast and crew of the Lufodo Productions musical; Heartbeat: A new Beginning is setting a new record for stage productions in Nigeria.

In a press release sent to Pulse, while acknowledging the challenges that came with producing the critically acclaimed show, producer Joke Silva explained:

“Even though we are setting a new record, in the global scheme of things, 24 shows isn’t really a big deal. We have shows like the Lion King that have continued to run for decades. We are challenging ourselves with this production and it is my ultimate goal that Heartbeat runs for another 20 years."

For lead actor Femi Jacobs, his character in Heartbeat has given him the biggest emotional connection in his career so far. “While listening to the sheer magnificence that was put into this show, I suddenly started to cry backstage the other day.” he revealed.

“This has been an incredibly humbling and uplifting experience for me working with this team.”

According to Director Najite Dede, “Assembling the incredible team we have now was honestly the hardest part of the job. We are very proud of the team we have put together and the way we tell the story of the cosmopolitanism of Lagos!”

Writer and composer Tosin Otudeko revealed that the labour of love that was Heartbeat was conceptualised 12 years ago after which she pulled music producer Efosa Lawal in. She further revealed the meaning behind the show.

“Heartbeat is basically a description of the time God gives us here on earth and how we must use it because it’s very limited. Once our heartbeat stops, that’s the end of our life as we know it.”

“undefined” was produced by Olu Jacobs & Joke Silva’s Lufodo Productions, Directed by Najite Dede. Written by Tosin Otudeko and Debo Oluwatuminu, Music by Tosin Otudeko and Efosa Lawal and Songs by Tosin Otudeko.

It explores the themes of: love, hate, betrayal, family, identity, politics, homelessness and social justice through the characters who converge in and around Grace House in search of refuge and atonement. Heartbeat is about Lagos, the Heartbeat of Nigeria. It’s about relationships, the Heartbeat of love, and it’s about hope, the Heartbeat of life.

Heartbeat runs through for the rest of the year at the Agip Recital Hall. Muson Centre 8/9 Marina Onikan Lagos on December 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th 2016 every weekday at 7pm and at 3pm and 7pm every weekend. There will be Command Performances on December 17th and 18th at 7:00 pm.

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