A play which documents the history of Nigeria

kehinde omotosho

June 6, 2017 4:40 PM

Love and Recession examines not only the lives of a young farmer, an old neighbour and his daughter but also the lives and status of most Nigerians especially this time of recession.

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Love and recession is a simple and humorous expression of romance during this time of economic recession.

Held at Muson centre, Onikan, the three-man cast play which features Keppy Ekpenyong, Omonor and Ikponmwosa Gold and directed by Ifeoma Fafunwa of the acclaimed stage play "Hear Word" is a good mix of drama, comedy and music.

Opening the show was a beautiful rhythmic chorus sung by a group of professional singers.

Love and Recession examines the life of a young farmer, Elemude, a long-time neighbour of Chief Sowande and his daughter Ronke. Ronke who is "overdue" for marriage according to the society's standard and is now desperate to be married must learn to be calm and control her temper if she really wants to be married especially in this time of recession when everything seems to be scarce and expensive including men.

The casts of the play were really energetic about their acting. I mean, I felt there was no dull moment throughout the entire play. Besides not only were they full of energy, all three of them were pretty hilarious in their actions and construction of words even during the different scenes of soliloquizing. They left the entire audience laughing out loud the whole time.

Yes, of course, I won't fail to talk about the music. Not only did the occasional music and singing had more life and energy to the play. The singing was professionally done in a way that reminded us of the pain, hurt and emotional state of the different characters amidst the comedy that constantly found its way to the stage.

The one scene stage play was well organised with the appropriate costumes. Good use of the stage and proper lightings.

Love and recession, an adaptation of Femi Osofisan’s popular stage play titled ‘The Engagement’, indeed have a lot of hidden messages that examined not only the lives of Elemude, Ronke and her dad but a good number of Nigerians as a whole. The effect of the recession on the economy, our failure to make plans and save for rainy days, the switch in gender roles in most families and a whole lot more.

The play is really a history piece for Nigeria.

kehinde omotosho