In an electrifying evening of laughter and reflection, HEAR WORD!, the groundbreaking theatrical masterpiece, once again illuminated the daunting realities confronting Nigerian women and girls. The exclusive performance, held in Lagos on Wednesday, 3 April 2024, captivated hearts, earning a standing ovation and accolades from the audience.
With the opening address delivered by Martín Abregú, Vice President, International Programs, Ford Foundation, the program utilized compelling drama that captured true life stories of challenges facing women. These narratives covered issues including sexual violence, discrimination against female children and also shared tales of resilience and empowerment, all which sparked conversations and moments of reflection.
In her remarks, the director of HEAR WORD!, Ifeoma Fafunwa, highlighted the decade-long impact that iOpenEye Africa Foundation has had with HEAR WORD! Performances all around the world.
“In a world where stories shape perceptions, iOpenEye has spent a decade using performance art to drive social change,” Fafunwa said. “Through the power of theatre, we not only entertain but ignite conversations, challenge norms, and inspire action and equality. As we step into our next chapter, we remain steadfast in our mission and welcome the support of private and public institutions willing to come on board,” Fafunwa continued.
The show mixes creativity, social criticism, and true-life transformational tales told by some of Nigeria’s finest renowned and most accomplished actresses. According to Ifeoma Fafunwa, the show is in its 10th year, and almost all the actresses who performed in its inception were on stage that night. Notably, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett and Joke Silva received rousing applause for their portrayal of women rejecting societal limitations and advocating for women’s rights. The evening also marked noteworthy performances by Omonor, Zara Udofia Ejoh, Debbie Ohiri, and Oluchi Odii who have been pivotal cast members in the production’s decade-long journey with costumes crafted by acclaimed designer, Ituen Basi.
Following the performances, the audience engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue session, with members of the HEAR WORD! cast providing insightful responses. Several attendees also shared personal stories and appreciated the production’s impact on their lives. The exclusive showcase was supported by the Ford Foundation, which was instrumental in supporting the HEAR WORD! 2022 West Africa tour, which drew an audience of over 7,500 young adults.
As HEAR WORD! sets its sights on the next decade of effecting change through theatre, it remains dedicated to also making the plays more inclusive by expanding its outreach efforts to people with disabilities, incorporating accessible formats such as sign language interpretation during local performances, as it does abroad.
HEAR WORD! has achieved significant milestones since its inception at the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) Centre in May 2014. The production marked its international debut at the American Repertory Theater at Harvard University, Cambridge and has garnered a live audience of over 125,000 individuals spanning Africa, Europe, and the United States. It was the event opener for the United Nations 2018 Commission for the Status of Women. It also opened at the Public Theater off Broadway and was the first Nigerian play to be curated into the Edinburgh International Theatre Festival. HEAR WORD! continues to inspire and empower audiences around the world.
Ifeoma Fafunwa is a fellow of the Aspen Global Leadership Network, a past Director’s Fellow at the MIT Media Lab, and the Radcliffe Institute at Harvard University. She teaches pro-bono performance and production skill-building workshops aimed at empowering young female performers in Nigeria.
