Nigeria's Theatre Scene, People and Places

Nigeria’s Theatre Scene, People and Places

Nigeria’s theatre scene has definitely taken off with Nigerian stage actors and actresses finding global success in London and New York. Here we take a look at several theatre companies and individuals who continue to contribute to the Nigerian theatre scene today.

Ifeoma Fafunwa: Fafunwa is the founder and creative director of iOpenEye which is a Nigerian production company that drives social change through performance art. The stage play, Hear Word! Naija Woman Talk True, is hers and it is a collection of monologues that are based on true-life stories of Nigerian women. The production is aimed at challenging social, cultural, and political norms that limit the potential and contribution of women.
Joke Silva: This veteran actress is one of the major players on the theatre scene. Mama J, along with her husband, Olu Jacobs who is also an actor, produced the stage musical Heartbeat. She contributes to the industry by mentoring many young Nigerians in the dramatic arts through the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, which she is founded by her and her husband.
Arojah Royal Theatre, Abuja: This theatre was established in 2007 and is based at the Cyprian Ekwensi Cultural Centre. The theatre group has about 35 actors, actresses, dancers, singers and instrumentalists as members as well as artists in training.
Thespian Family Theatre and Productions: The theatre is based in Ikeja, Lagos and it uses unusual theatre to inspire positive change in the society. Thespian Family Theatre is led by Ayo Jaiyesimi and has produced many stage plays.
Renegade Theatre: The theatre is led by Wole Oguntokun, one of Nigeria’s foremost stage directors. Renegade Theater has produced plays such as The Vagina Monologues, Wole Soyinka’s Death and the King’s Horseman and Ola Rotimi’s The Gods Are Not to Blame. The company has performed in Nigeria, Ghana and the UK.