Firm Stages ‘The Disciple’ Play at Easter

Sunday Okobi

As Christians all over the world celebrate Easter this weekend, Boatseed Productions has set all machinery in motion to tell a compelling story of ambition, loyalty, fear, faith, betrayal, sacrifice, and the ultimate redemption through its stage play, ‘The Disciple’.

In an interview with THISDAY yesterday, the Writer and Producer of ‘The Disciple’ and Managing Director of Boatseed Production, Temi Adeyemi, said the play, which will be shown live at Glover Memorial Hall on Lagos Island on April 4 and 6, 2026, with performances at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m, will take audiences on a gripping journey of powerful lessons drawn from one of the most significant stories of loyalty, betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption.

Directed by Patrick Diabuah, co-produced by Femi George, and written and co-produced by Adeyemi, The Disciple is a compelling and creative retelling of one of the most powerful stories ever told. Tickets are available on eventporte.com/thedisciple, and to get 10 percent off all tickets, use the discount code DISCIPLE10.

On what inspired the creation of the play, Adeyemi, who thanked the Lagos State Tourism, Arts, Culture department for its support, disclosed that ‘The Disciple’ is the reimagining of the Passion of Christ, “told through the lens of a reality TV business competition in the style of The Apprentice. “The play centres on the journeys of several key figures involved in the events leading up to the crucifixion, but reframes their motivations and choices within the context of ambition, competition, and the pursuit of purpose.” 

“Just as contestants on The Apprentice compete to prove their worth and earn a coveted role, the characters in our production are vying to be named The Disciple, the chosen right hand to the ultimate authority, represented here by God.”

She noted that the goal is not simply to retell a familiar religious story, but to offer audiences (Christian or otherwise) a fresh and deeply relatable perspective.

According to the producer, “The Easter story is not merely a religious account; it is a profound cultural narrative that belongs to all of humanity. By situating it in a modern, recognisable framework, we hope to illuminate what was truly at stake for each character, invite audiences to see themselves in those characters, and encourage meaningful reflection on how we each relate to this timeless account. “The sacrifice of Christ remains absolutely central to the story, but The Disciple also draws attention to the very human drama that surrounded it-the ambition, the loyalty, the fear, and the faith.”

 On the effort put into the play to make it worthwhile, Adeyemi told THISDAY that the production required the dedication of many people, significant resources, and no small amount of sacrifice, “and it has all been driven by one core ambition-to give families a shared, meaningful theatrical experience.

“We believe there is a real gap in the market for content that the whole family can enjoy together, productions that are neither too childish for parents nor too mature for children. The Disciple is recommended for ages 10 and above, though younger children attending with parental guidance are also likely to engage with and enjoy the show.”

She added: “We want families to come together, to be entertained, to laugh and reflect, as well as to leave the theatre having shared something genuinely impactful. Beyond the entertainment, the play carries powerful lessons drawn from one of the most significant stories ever told -lessons about integrity, ambition, courage, and redemption that are as relevant today as they have ever been.

“We are also proud to share that we have partnered schools to make the experience freely accessible to children, because we believe that theatre should be a formative part of every young person’s life, not a privilege reserved for the few.”

The managing director disclosed further that ‘The Disciple’ represents Boatseed Productions’ first major theatrical undertaking, adding that: “While we did stage a production of The Story of Joseph approximately 12 years ago, that was a much smaller, modestly funded effort. This production marks our true and deliberate entry into the Nigerian entertainment landscape.”

On the future of their productions, she said: “Looking ahead, our vision is to produce multiple stage plays each year, with a consistent focus on family-oriented, values-driven content. We also have aspirations in film, recognising the enormous potential that remains to be unlocked in Nigeria’s screen industry. Boatseed Productions intends to be a long-term, committed presence in this space — contributing to its growth, raising its standards, and expanding its reach.”

The producer, however, decried the fact that theatre and stage performance are significantly facing the challenge of the withdrawal of financial support from corporate organisations and foundations that once championed the arts.

“Funding that previously sustained productions, venues, and creative careers has steadily dried up, and the consequences are far-reaching.

“What is often underestimated is the role that theatre plays in education and character formation. Older generations consistently recall attending the theatre as a natural, enriching part of their upbringing, not as a luxury, but as a cornerstone of a well-rounded education. It cultivated creativity, empathy, lateral thinking, and a capacity for reflection.

“By allowing this art form to fade from public life, we risk depriving younger generations of something genuinely formative. Theatre heals, it builds character, it opens minds, and it also sustains livelihoods across the creative industries.

“We hope that The Disciple plays a small but meaningful role in reawakening Nigerians’ relationship with the stage, and particularly in reintroducing theatre to children who have never had the opportunity to experience it. Through our partnership with schools, we are actively working to ensure that this generation of young people does not have to wait decades for their next theatrical encounter, as has sadly become the norm,” she said.

Meanwhile, the production team said tickets for the stage play are available in the following categories: Student: N10,000; Regular: N25,000; VIP: N45,000, and Premium VIP: N65,000, adding that: “As a special gesture to readers of THISDAY, a 10 per cent discount is available using the code THISDAY10.

“We warmly invite every Nigerian who has ever been moved by a performance, or who wishes their children could experience what theatre truly offers, to join us, and be part of the revival.”