Yinka Olatunbosun
Atheatrical narrative on Lagos, Isale Eko, which thrilled theatre audience last year is set to return to the stage for its second season in June. This bit was revealed by the play’s executive director, Edgar Joseph as he, alongside his team, gears up for the show at the Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre in Onikan, Lagos.
Co-produced by veteran broadcaster, Olisa Adibua, Isale Eko is an unconventional play, orally scripted. Joseph reveals why the play appeals to both the young and old.
“Isale Eko takes us back to our origins as a people. Isale Eko is the bowel of our civilization as it was the melting pot of trade and commerce. It is very important that we continue to relive our past so as to better understand our present and prepare for our future,’’ he said.
Joseph added that the play offers lessons in nation building, values of co-habitation using drama, song and dance.
“The play evolves as we build it scene by scene. It follows a slow but very methodical floating sequence which does not even tell the director its direction,’’ he said.
Joseph, an investment banker and columnist with THISDAY, veered into theatre productions with the projection of making theatre business bankable. With Isale Eko, he is turning his passion for theatre into portfolio.
“Last year, we hit 6,000 spectators and secured the attention of His Excellency, Akinwunmi Ambode. This year, we are projecting 9,000. We are already working with Wema Bank, Century Group amongst other such brilliant brands to bring such joy and laughter to our people,†he remarked.
With support from Century Group, Isale Eko play production engages 100 youths as cast and crew and another 100 in the area of support services such as digital media support, graphics, printing, catering, hospitality amongst others. It also enjoys the support of brands such as Wema Bank, FCMB, Jobtaska, Cordross Capital, ARM and more. The play reportedly has a N20 million budget which is likely to stretch in this new season.
