THE Noble Warrior (Eni Ogun), a total theatrical experience which was premiered in July last year to commemorate the 90th birthday anniversary of the Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, returns to the stage this July to mark the 91st birthday of the renowned dramatist, poet, essayist, n[memoirist and global human rights activist.
Soyinka’s birthday is July 13, but the play, steeped in drama, music, dance and mimetic arts, will run for three days – July 11 to 13 at the historic Glover Memorial Hall, located on Customs Street, in the Central Business District of Lagos Island. It will feature two shows daily— Matinee at 3 pm and Champagne at 6 pm.
Written by the US-based Cash Onadele) aka Aiye-ko-ooto), the play is directed by Segun Adefila (Oriade), the renowned theatre maker, choreographer, and founder/artistic director of Crown Troupe of Africa, who is known for employing theatrical tools in interpreting dramatic scripts.
A statement from the communication coordinator of the project, Samuel Osaze, reads in part:
“At a recent press briefing in Lagos, Cash Onadele stated that syndk8ml has received endorsements from the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, as well as the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC). While anticipating more sponsorships, partnerships, and endorsements, Onadele noted that the 2024 production was a success under the artistic direction of Segun Adefila. He hopes to build on that momentum to ensure African creativity thrives on a global scale, continuing to celebrate the enigmatic literary legend annually, even after he has transitioned. Samuel Osaze serves as the Programme Director.
“Aiye-ko-ooto also shed light on plans to engage the next generation of theatre lovers. “Actually, there is currently a plan”, he stated, outlining initiatives to bring the production to UNILAG and potentially the University of Ibadan. “With UNILAG’s ample seating capacity, all tertiary institutions in the vicinity could attend. Students with valid ID cards will benefit from significant discounts, making this rich cultural experience accessible to a wider youth audience. This initiative, focused on youth development and integration, is a key way the production aims to give back. We are actively seeking sponsors to bring it to fruition”, Onadele concluded.
“Premiered last year in Abeokuta at the Cultural Centre and in Lagos at the prestigious MUSON Centre, The Noble Warrior returns bigger, Blacker, and better—enhanced with fresh dimensions and seasoned with more dance, drama, and drums, making it even more spellbinding and suspenseful for audiences across all social strata.”