Yinka Olatunbosun
Kakadu the Musical is set to return to the stage this December. Written and produced by Uche Nwokedi, the reverberating drama is a story of survival and hope that trials the journey of four friends from different tribes- Emeka, Kola, Osahon and Dapo alongside their female counterparts- Bisi, Amonia, Enoh and Hassana as they navigate a crisis that would change their lives forever.
Set in the 1960s Lagos against the backdrop of a famous club Kakadu, the award-winning play will run from December 28th to 30th at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos. On the heels of its successful performances at the Nelson Mandela Theatre in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2017, Kakadu the Musical will thrill the Lagos audience with this nostalgic story that raises consciousness about friendship, humanity, love and nationalism.
Crafted with an emotional plot, Kakadu the Musical is a pulsating theatrical spectacle that blends Anglo-American soul, pop music with highlife, Afrobeat and Nigerian folk music. Although Kakadu, as a nightclub, is a metaphor for Nigeria’s social reality between 1965 and 1972, the story still resonates with present-day realities. Kakadu the Musical fuels our collective memory with the truth about the consequences of ethnic bigotry, corruption and abuse of power. Through the plot structure, the playwright seeks to interrogate aspects of Nigeria’s history that obscures national unity.
While announcing the return of this box-office hit, the producer of Kakadu the Musical, Nwokedi remarks that the musical promises to be exciting, reviving theatre patronage in the fast-paced city.
“Kakadu the Musical is like fine wine at 10. With the synergy of new and old cast members, the audience will enjoy a most exhilarating fusion of music, drama, fashion and dance. At the Playhouse Initiative, we are keen on using these elements of arts to entertain and educate as well as to empower talented youths in the creative industry,’’ he says.
With support from First Bank, this ten-year old period piece is set to captivate a multi-generation audience in December.
