To harness the activities of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) with theatre practice, NICO Cultural Troupe is billed to be inaugurated by the Executive Secretary, Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma

The event, which coincides with the International Theatre Day (ITD) 2012, will feature a performance of Barclays Ayakoroma’s Dance on His Grave, which will draw dignitaries in the theatre profession in Nigeria, cultural diplomats, university teachers, politicians, bankers and captains of industry across Nigeria in attendance.

The performance takes place at the Cyprian Ekwensi Cultural Centre, Area 10, Garki, Abuja-FCT, on Monday, March 26, 2012, at 10am.

The play, which is set in the Niger Delta, dramatizes women liberation. The people Toru-Ama are about to go to war with the people of Angiama, because their daughter had been abducted by the Angiama people, who had also encroached on their territorial waters to fish.

Somehow, the Women of Toru-Ama are opposed to the war and they adopt the weapon of stubbornness at home to force the men to succumb.  Not able to bear the sexual starvation, the men flog their wives into submission; but that does not end the crisis.

King Olotu realises, too late, that a woman can go to any extent to get what she wants, especially, with the power between the legs, because the war consumes him.

The play, directed by Jibrin Ahmed, features Francis Iba as Olotu, Chinye Mauryn Umogo as Alaere, and Ibrahim Sule Malgwi as Apodi. Others are Gwautsa Tyolumun (Mowei), Aina Olushola Olayinka (Osima), Prince Fabuyi Clement (Atuaba), Abu Ezekiel (Biriala), Bola Adedoyin (Erebu), Ugochi Susan Duru (Beke), Gogo Marcus Tamunominabo (Odibo), Margaret Onwe (1st Woman), Nabofa Emuobonuviesa (2nd Woman), Patricia Item (3rd Woman), among others.

The Coordinator of the Troupe, Jane Anigala, said these crop of actors and actresses will interpret the play and bring out the message the playwright wants to put across to the audience, adding that the Troupe will also use drama to send cultural messages to Nigerians.

According to her: “We have really prepared for the inauguration. I am happy that the play is coming up fine.  The playwright has a serious message in the play. The play is encouraging conflict resolution through dialogue. This is important in a multi-ethnic nation such as Nigeria. The members of cast are interpreting their roles accordingly.”

Anigala added: “The Troupe will be interpreting NICO programmes through songs, drama, dance, that is, theatre practice. The Troupe is also aimed at serving as the official Cultural Troupe to the Institute; it will harness staff potentials through drama and theatre, and you know that theatre is a serious business. Through the Troupe, we will mentor NICO Cultural Clubs in Secondary Schools in Nigeria. I want to use this opportunity to thank the ÉS, Dr. Barclays Ayakoroma, for his support and advice to the Troupe. He is a father indeed. We are lucky to have a theatre icon like him around. You can imagine that he spared his time to come to our rehearsals, watched and guided us where we were getting it wrong. I also thank the director of the play and the entire members for the efforts.’’

Nwagbo Nnenyelike
Corporate Affairs