Written by Alimi Nurudeen
On March 30th, 2025, the Terra Kulture Arena in Victoria Island, Lagos, hosted the much-anticipated premiere of Blood and the Smile, a gripping stage play written by Ola Awakan, directed by Ifeanyi Eziukwu, and produced by Dr. Anthonia Bisola Otunla, Amb. Sam Uche Anyamele, and Leke Akinrowo. With a packed audience of over 1,000 people in both shows, the production delivered an unforgettable evening filled with emotional depth, stunning performances, and a powerful message.
The production kicked off with an unexpected yet captivating musical performance by the entire cast and instrumentalists, blending music, dance, and storytelling. From the outset, it was clear that the play would break conventional boundaries. The director’s use of Brechtian alienation techniques particularly a staged conflict between an audience member and a crew member which was a clever way to blur the lines between the audience and the performers, immediately drawing everyone into the narrative.
Blood and the Smile explores the painful experiences of women who have been mistreated by men. The dialogue is raw and unapologetic, as five pregnant women discuss their troubled pasts, reflecting on the deceit, betrayal, and violence they’ve endured. The stories shared on stage were painfully real, bringing to light issues often silenced in society.
One particularly impactful moment occurred when a woman from the audience, later revealed to be a character, joined the others on stage to share her story of loss, abuse, and medical complications caused by a man. The emotional intensity of this scene resonated deeply with the audience.
The cast of Blood and the Smile delivered stellar performances, each actor embodying their role with passion and authenticity. The women, in particular, portrayed a raw vulnerability that felt intensely personal. Their stories were woven together with striking emotional power, capturing the complexities of womanhood, pain, and resilience. The actresses displayed impressive range, moving from humor to heartbreak with ease, and their interactions felt natural and deeply rooted in the characters’ shared suffering.
The standout performance came from the actress who played the woman betrayed by her lover and left infertile due to a failed abortion. Her vocal modulation, facial expressions, and physical movements perfectly conveyed the depth of her trauma, engaging the audience completely. The police officer’s entry provided comic relief, yet his presence was a reminder of the wider societal implications of the women’s struggles, further deepening the play’s narrative.
The production’s technical elements greatly enhanced the storytelling. Lighting played a significant role in setting the mood of each scene, with subtle changes from soft hues to intense reds during the moments of heightened tension, symbolizing the physical and emotional labor the women endure. The sound design, from the rhythmic musical interludes to the haunting silences, punctuated the narrative perfectly. Each transition was smooth, allowing the audience to remain engrossed in the play’s unfolding drama.
One of the most evocative moments came when the scene shifted to the aftermath of a birth, where the lighting turned crimson as the women mourned the death of one of their own. The use of lighting and symbolic props during this scene, a candlelit procession created an emotionally charged atmosphere, bringing the audience to the edge of their seats.
Blood and the Smile offers a searing critique of the treatment of women in society, particularly in relationships and motherhood. Through the stories of these women, the play examines the physical, emotional, and societal burdens placed on them. Men in the audience were visibly moved, some perhaps uncomfortably so, as the characters laid bare the pain caused by patriarchal norms and expectations.
However, the play does not descend into hopelessness. There is a strong message of unity among the women, as they support each other through their struggles, ultimately finding solace and strength in their shared experiences. The character of the pastor who reveals her own harassment by a man in church highlights that no woman, no matter her position, is immune to the same kind of mistreatment.
The play’s final message is clear: both men and women must navigate the challenges of life together, with mutual understanding, respect, and compassion. The inclusion of a male character towards the end, representing men as a whole, provided a balanced perspective, challenging the audience to reflect on gender roles and responsibilities.
The play concluded with a poignant musical performance by the women, celebrating the strength and resilience of mothers, despite the struggles they face. The standing ovation from the audience was a testament to the powerful storytelling and the impact of the production
In a brief speech, Ola Awakan shared that Blood and the Smile was written over 15 years ago but is more relevant today than ever. He noted that the play is an advocacy piece dedicated to women around the world, reminding them of their inherent worth and resilience. His humorous yet touching remark about how even men struggle to fully understand the complexities of women left the audience both entertained and reflective.
Blood and the Smile is a deeply affecting piece of theatre that shines a light on the struggles women face in society, particularly in the realms of love, motherhood, and personal autonomy.
The play’s bold approach to storytelling, supported by outstanding performances and strong technical execution, makes it a must-see. It challenges, moves, and ultimately leaves the audience with a greater understanding of the shared human experience. This is a production that will be talked about for a long time.
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