THE NOBLE WARRIOR – ENI OGUN

…..BACK TO THE THEATRE INDEED (1)

About 6 weeks ago, i stated categorically on this platform that Toye ARULOGUN a 1986 graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan who has sojourned through marketing communications, public service and broadcasting is staging a comeback to the practice of theatre arts.

THE NOBLE WARRIOR – ENI OGUN written by Aiye-ko-ooto, directed by Oriade Segun Adefila, produced by Cash Onadele with Toye Arulogun as Executive Producer was the platform that brought me back to the art of drama on stage. It was a special production to celebrate the Global Literary Giant and National Icon, Prof. Wole Soyinka as part of activities commemorating his landmark 90th birthday in collaboration with WOLE SOYINKA INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE (WSICE).

With a 38 member cast post successful audition at Freedom Park on June 4th, resumption in camp for a 30 day intensive rehearsal regimen on Friday June 14th, premiere at Hubert Ogunde Hall, June 12 Cultural Centre on Monday July 15th, two shows at 3:00pm and 6:00pm in Lagos at the MUSON CENTRE on Saturday and SundayJuly 20th & 21st, it was a roller coaster of sorts readjusting to cast and crew dynamics, rehearsals , welfare, set, props, lighting, sound, marketing and promotions, event management et al.

After an approximate eight weeks stretch not counting months of planning, the stage production has taken a break with the intention of resuming on national and International tours God willing.

A successful outing it was from my personal assessment and by not a few observers especially our contributing partners.

I therefore would like to engage this piece to appreciate the contributing partners of the stage production of THE NOBLE WARRIOR -OGUN STATE GOVERNMENT who partnered in the premiere on July 15th through the Ministry of Culture & Tourism, FIRST BANK NIGERIA PLC through its first@arts platform which exclusively presented the 6:00pm show on Sunday 20th, CINQTEOS LIMITED- Angel investors, FCMB, FMDQ, DUFIL PRIMA FOODS,HEADWAY ASSURANCE, ALTERNATIVE BANK, FLOUR MILLS OF NIGERIA, KRESTON PADEBO, QMB HYPERMART, WALE BABALAKIN & CO, PROSHARE LIMITED, MT TRANSFORMATIONS, MGB INSURANCE BROKERS, OLORI EBI BOYS 2 MEN – (my JCI Ikoyi brothers), SA ONADELE & CO and the CENTRE FOR BLACK AND AFRICAN ARTS AND CIVILISATION (CBAAC)

Many lessons learnt and massive encouragement from corporate Nigeria.

Which lessons?

That will be in part 2.

Enjoy these photos, more coming in the second and final part..

Words/Toye Arulogun/Photographs credit/Toye Arulogun