Back to Stage

A recent production is part of the moves to popularize live theatre in the city, writes Rita Aleke

Abuja based outfit, Arojah Royal Theatre returned to the stage on Wednesday 31st October, with Zulu Sofola’s classic satire, ‘The Wizard of Law’ as part of its effort to revive the live theatre culture in the nation’s capital. The group is one of the few professional private theatre companies still operating in Nigeria despite the various challenges resulting in the decline of the live theatre culture in Nigeria, and Abuja especially.

The production was another stellar performance by a group that is gradually worming its way into the hearts of theatre lovers in Abuja. The eight-man cast rewarded the audience for their faith in the group, with their excellent interpretation of the play, as they left members of the audience reeling with laughter.

Oluwatoba Oyewale’s interpretation of the character, Lawyer Ramoni Alao and Seun Odukoya’s portrayal of the role of Sikira, lawyer Ramoni Alao’s wife, no doubt wowed the audience, as their entrance and exit were usually the greeted with a loud cheer.

The play, directed by Adesewo Fayaman Bay, the group’s director of productions, also featured Zeb John as Rafiu, Samuel Akawo as Constable, Lizzy Popoola as Clerk, Zubairu Jide Atta as Lamidi and the duo of Jovita Chukwuemeka and AIT’s Lara Owoeye-Wise switching role as the Judge for the first and second show respectively.

The ‘Wizard of Law’ is a satire about an old lawyer, Ramoni who tries to impress his wife during a festive period by purchasing nine metres of lace material on credit at a time he is penniless. The cloth seller, Rafiu, takes advantage of this opportunity to inflate his prices. Unable to pay the debt, Ramoni gets into more trouble and desperately looks for a court case to enable pay his debt.

According to the group’s founder and Artistic Director, Om’Oba Jerry Adesewo, sustaining live theatre in the city has been one huge task. “It’s not been easy doing this but we’ll continue to try,” he said. “We have continously put in our best to ensure that the live theatre culture in Abuja returns. We are worried about the level of audience at the moment but we are not dettered. With the right funding and enabling enviroment, live theatre will thrive in Nigeria. Government should consider putting up necessary facilities and funding to aid live theatre in Abuja and Nigeria at large.”