Nigerian play set for show in London

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October 4, 2016 9:20 AM

The play, Maafa, which was recently shown at the National Theatre, Lagos will soon be shown in Broadway, London.

Maafa

Maafa, the name of the play, is a Swahili word that means disastrous.

It was written by Mr Segun Olujobi, and it expresses the importance of unity among Africans through the agony of the transatlantic slave trade era.

According to Professor Ahmed Yerima, Department of Theatre Arts, Redeemer's University, Ede, the play will be shown in Broadway, London soon.

Yerima, who said that he was impressed with the production of the play, also said that plays like this would "preserve history and educate our grandchildren about occurrences of the past."

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He also said, "I am thankful to God for this kind of production. It shows that playwrights are still relevant in passing useful information through the theatre arts. This play should be neatly packaged and taken round the country starting from Abuja for all to see.''

The director of Maafa, Mr Makinde Adeniran said that the play tells of how Africans wronged one another through slavery as well as the importance of unity and peace on the African continent.

According to Adeniran, the play is educational theatre because of the historical lessons it teaches. He also commended the playwright as well as members of the cast and crew for their roles in bringing the play to reality.

Mr Akin Adejuwon, the artistic director of the National Troupe of Nigeria said the play was wonderful but that it needed sponsorship so that it can be shown in other states within Nigeria and even abroad.

"The play is relevant today because the trauma of slavery and slave trade is still on - the power tussle and the people that suffer from the outcome. We still have them going on in Africa today that is why the play is relevant in educating the people on the importance of unity."

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