Things Fall Apart by the Jos Repertory Theatre:

The Jos Repertory Theatre in association with the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) is set to bring Biyi Bandele’s stage adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s monumental novel THINGS FALL APART to the city of Abuja for the 48th Independence anniversary celebrations in October.

The production which generated rave reviews during the ANA organised 50th anniversary celebrations of the book Things Fall Apart in Ibadan in April is set to do same with the multi-talented cast put together by the Jos Repertory Theatre under the artistic directorship of Patrick-Jude Oteh.

The first production is billed for the 2nd of October in a presentation for schools at the Cyprian Ekwensi Cultural Centre, Abuja, while the other performances are billed for the Merit House auditorium in Maitama on the 3rd and 4th of October 2008.

According to Denja Abdullahi, the National General Secretary of ANA, the idea behind the play billed for Abuja apart from still celebrating the novel at 50, is that “the book has lessons for all of us in the study of our diverse cultures, our unique gifts as a nation especially as we gradually approach our 50 years as a nation”.

Things Fall Apart is the tragic story of Okonkwo who achieves power and status through his own efforts and determination to succeed in a society which honours strength, wisdom, hard work, courage in war and a plethora of other skills.

Achebe’s representation of life in the early 20th century gives us a society with fully developed institutions in a direct democracy all functioning in a society under the benign supervision of a just God. The tragedy in the story is accentuated with the arrival of the white man and colonial power and Okonkwo’s refusal to come to terms with the new ways which he could not understand.

SOURCE: Vanguard

Basement Theatre Company (BTC) has been established in Abuja for the rebirth of the classy outdoors and to cater to the very specific and sophisticated social needs of urbane Nigerians and Abujans in particular. Now, BTC proudly presents Ola Rotimi’s Ovonramwen Nogbaisi in a complete theatre experience like none before it.

The play is a reconstruction of the historic fall of the great empire of Benin in the British Punitive Expedition of January 4, 1897. The drama looks beyond the obvious in cross-cultural struggles between empires and focuses on the burdens of power as well as the culturally peculiar diplomacy employed between two very fascinating monarchs.

For this Abuja opening, BTC is proud to bring back to Black theatre, African star of music, TV and stage, Dede Mabiaku in the leading role. He is joined by a most vibrant and select cast of the cream of Nigerian theatre. Among them are Toyin Oshinaike, Ahide Adum, Patrick Otoro, Albert Akaeze and Ikponmwonsa Gold.

Platinum Command Performance:

Date: Friday, 4th of July, 2008

Venue: Congress Hall, the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja

Time: 7pm prompt

Ticket: N19,999 or $170.00

Private Performance:

Date: Saturday, 5th of July, 2008

*For details of this performance, please contact Basement Theatre Company

Silver-Card Performances:

Date: Sunday, 6th of July, 2008

Venue: Africa Hall, the International Conference Centre, Abuja

Time: 3pm (matinee)/7pm

Ticket: N2,999 (singles); N4,999 (couples) **special student rates apply

We invite you to order bulk tickets for your organization/group and take advantage of our special bulk ticket discounts. For more box office details and ticket enquiries, please call 0702 546 3790-2 or e-mail tickets@btcnigeria.com. Also, visit our website www.btcnigeria.com for more information on Ovonramwen Nogbaisi and Basement Theatre Company.

Yemi Adeyinka,

Marketing & Audience Development

Picture Source: Broken Memory

Aunty Joke is in her own class and no doubt have carved a niche for herself as one of the best and most versertile actress on the Nollywood scene. She has conquered the world of filmography and have got her name on some A-list films within and outside Nollywood. Aunty Joke is married to another screen veteran Olu Jacobs.

She is a shining light and a darling of most upcoming actors and actresses in Nollywood. She has inspired most and amongst her aging compatriots, she stands out as an icon and one of those that is worthy to be the face of Nollywood.

Nollywood Critique in her latest outing ‘Older Women On Screen‘ poured glowing tribute to the screen icon, thus;

If there is a female actress that I can unequivocally say that I admire the most, that would be, hands-down, Joke Silva. Very few younger actresses can compare to this seasoned performer. Her contributions on and off the screen will be lauded for decades to come. Actually, I think older women in Nollywood have done very well for themselves in terms of perfecting their craft. Stalwarts that come to mind are Ngozi Ezeonu and Patience Ozokwor. While these women have served the industry well, I am not sure if the industry, that is Nollywood has made the best use of their talents…

I do share with her concern on the inability of todays producers to tap into the wealth of experience these aging icon and her compatriots have got to offer. As we all know good wine taste better with age. We hope to see Joke and most of the old faithfuls being given more roles; as Nollywood re-organises and evolves into world class cinema.

We urge Aunty Joke to continue with her services to humanity and Nollywood, she is much appreciated and have inspired a lot of todays celebs and most of aspiring Nollywood celebs also regards you as their icon and inspiration. We love you Aunty Joke.

Joke Silva on Stage with RMD: A Husband’s Wife

Joke Silver Filmography:

1. Letters to a Stranger (2007) (V)
2. To Love and to Hold (2007) (V)
3. To Love and to Hold 2 (2007) (V)
4. The Amazing Grace (2006) …. Maria Davies
5. 30 Days (2006/II) …. Dupe Ajayi
6. Brave Heart (2005) (V) …. Helen
7. Brave Heart 2 (2005) (V) …. Helen
8. Opin irin ajo (2005) (V)
9. Opin irin ajo 2 (2005) (V)
10. Women’s Cot (2005) (V)
    … aka Widow’s Cot (Nigeria: English title)
11. Women’s Cot 2 (2005) (V)
12. Women’s Cot 3 (2005) (V)
13. Last Wedding (2004) (V) …. Mrs. Daniel
14. Last Wedding 2 (2004) (V)
15. Keeping Faith: Is That Love? (2003) (V)
16. The Kingmaker (2003) (V)
17. The Secret Laughter of Women (1999) …. Nene

Picture Source