Photo: The Production crew at the audition: L-R: Ayo Ajayi (Music director), Felix Eboh (Music director), Makinde Adeniran, fta (Playwright), Awele Dekpe (Events Manager at National Theatre/ PhD Research Scholar), Uche Onah (Choreographer). Credit: Emeke Egbune
THE stage is set for yet another historical play about one of Nigeria’s international music legend, Evangelist Ebenezer Fabiyi-Obey, MFR, who became an Octogenarian a few weeks ago.
As part of the month-long activities marking the Juju maestro’s 80th birthday, a 3-city theatrical tour with the play, CHIEF COMMANDER: A child of Destiny is in the offing.
Written by the accomplished playwright, Makinde Adeniran, fta and produced and directed by the veteran theatre maker, Israel Eboh, fta; the musical will be performed throughout October in Abuja, Abeokuta and Lagos.
An audition for the production was staged on Friday and Monday (August 19 & 22) at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.
“It’s a massive project. With the auditions, attended by over 200 artistes, concluded; rehearsals would commence in earnest, to deliver a worldclass musical theatre that is complementary to the image of the legendary icon, Ebenezer Obey. Just watch out and save up, as we look forward to seeing you either in Abuja, Lagos or Abeokuta.” Charles Ukpong, fta, Production Manager of the Obey @80 project revealed.
He added that the project, which is in collaboration with the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) and a host of other partners that would be unveiled soon, is the initiative of Fezi Productions under its Legends and Stars initiative, which is geared towards honouring and celebrating the achievements of Nigerian legends in entertainment and sports, spotlighting their contributions to national development.
Fezi Productions has had a rich history of theatrical productions, since it was set up in 1990 by Israel Eboh, fta, who is President of NANTAP.
