- Ola Awakan’s play capturing Nigeria nationhood premieres on October 4 to mark Nigeria’s 60th anniversary
- As he wants ‘the ship of this country to be redirected to a better destination’
Abayomi Oyelami
As part of the Diamond Jubilee celebration of Nigeria’s independence, Ola Awakan’s play showcasing the nationhood of Nigeria titled ‘Behind the Map’ is set to thrill the live audience that will gather at Shodex Gardens this weekend, October 4th 2020.
The hour-long play is set against the backdrop of the desire to see a better nation where all citizens will be determined to play developmental roles in actualizing the nation’s lofty dreams. The suspense-filled drama details the conflict of interest between the ruler and the ruled, the fight for supremacy on whether the national cake in the society is for the common man or those at the helm. It is a case of survival struggle for the led on one hand and power tussle for the leader on the other hand. Who gets to the finish line between both factions in the saga of restructuring Nigeria begs for an answer.
Speaking to www.artourey.com on the idea of the play, Ola Awakan stated: ‘I want to pass across the message of nationality over ethnicity. The message of peace and oneness regardless of division. The Play, ‘BEHIND THE MAP’ takes a look at the course in the Nigerian society. The effect of the struggle and suffering of the people who always seek to fight for their right in protecting their immediate homeland, on the nation is caricatured in the play’.
The journalist, poet and actor who holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Lagos continued: ‘There is the feature of war, hate speech, ethnic disunity, militancy and political misdemeanor in the play. Everyone wants the greater chunk of the wealth of the nation to fall to his side. Among Tade, Abubakar, Emeka and Shishang, there is a twine that binds them but the same twine is about to scatter them because their parents have selfish political ambitions, which may mar not just the future of their children but that of the entire nation!”
The CEO of ArtsWax Communication continued: ‘Many titles came to mind when I was writing this play in 2017 but the one that best describes the essence of the play is Behind the Map. The identity of every nation is best known through its map, which is the geographical confine but activities can literarily make the map beautiful or ugly, that is what I tried to explore with the play. How has our activities helped to shape the map that binds us as a people.’
‘A lot of research was put into the project. I have been thinking about putting it up on stage since 2017 that I wrote the play but God made it possible this year after I discussed with Segun Adefila and Ifeanyi Eziukwu. It officially started after the Eko Theatre Carnival hosted by Crown Troupe of Africa.’
Noted for his numerous feature reports on exceptional children on TVC News, Ola Awakan pleaded ‘the ship of this country needs to be redirected to a better destination. A destination where everything works. A destination where the glory of the country will be restored. A destination where the common man will not beg to get basic amenities’.
He added that together we can restore the glory of this nation. The youth should think of what they can contribute to the nation while government should provide enabling environment. Individuals should think inward, ‘are we acting towards the development of a sane society or not?’
On this enormous project, Ola Awakan hopes to partner with all State Governors, private sector and individuals who want a better society as this will make him achieve the said objectives of taking the play to all the 36 States in the country.
It should be noted that the show will premiere on 4th of October at Shodex Gardens, Anthony, Lagos. The tickets for the show can be purchased at the rate of N2,000 (with light refreshments for all) online via www.ticketstrolley.com or at the venue of the event. Free facemask will be given to the first 30 persons to attend the show. The show is supported by Crown Troupe of Africa, Just Theatre House, Theatre Centric, Shodex Garden, Nixxhash Communications, ArtsBeat Concepts, TVC Communications, the Crafters Connect, Commissioner for the Environment and many others.
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