Ola Awakan’s ‘Time Up?’ premieres virtually at Lagos Theatre Festival

By Abayomi Oyelami

JUMOKE and Jude are friends. The elites are lost and entangled in the web of discussions about their country, from the eyes of an activist and that of a literary personality.

These characters hold pivotal roles in Ola Awakan’s play, Time Up? set to premiere on the virtual stage of the Lagos Theatre Festival, March 18-21.

They both knew all the problems of their great country — social menace, political upheaval, economic malapropism et al — but were at each other’s throats as to what the solution should be.

Is the notion of revolution the answer?
Is the ideology of dialogue the solution?
They were so divided – yes – along the bias of gender, ethnicity, and religion.
Is it ‘Time Up’ for their friendship?

‘Time Up’ offers a due documentation and deep reflection into major events that have shaped Nigeria as a nation and her people. It caricatures those sections of the population who believe revolution is the solution and the other half who believe in dialogue.

‘Time Up?’ delves into the world of the vices themselves and their cordial relationship with humans. It is a unique story with impactful thematic preoccupation.

With a five-man cast, the play is directed by ace dramatist Ifeanyi Eziukwu and produced by Artswax Communications and Just Theatre House.

It will be streamed live from March 18 to 21 at the 2021 Lagos Theatre Festival (the first-of-its-kind virtual Lagos theatre festival) with the support of the British Council.

This is the second play from the award-winning playwright cum journalist, Ola Awakan in less than five months, the first, ‘Behind the Map‘.