Ba
rclays Ayakoroma’s Castles in the Air, will again be staged in Abuja as part of the Yuletide activities for Nigerians, sequel to its success in Lagos, as a play that promotes Nigerian unity and culture.
The Executive Secretary, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, who stated this as guest in the Living Room of Bush House Nigeria, a radio programme on Kapital FM 92.9, Abuja, said the play will be produced by Beeta Universal Arts Foundation (BUAF); and that the performance will take place at the Amphi-Theatre of Mediterranean Recreation Centre at Plot 1141 Kwame Nkrumah Street, Asokoro.
Dr. Ayakoroma, who spoke extensively on Nigerian culture and the Institute’s forthcoming Annual Public Lecture, with the theme: “Culture, Good Governance and Nigeria’s Democracy,” said the Abuja production of the play, which he wrote when he was the Executive Director of Bayelsa State Council for Arts and Culture, will be between 14th to 16th December, 2012, adding: “I believe it was the success they registered last time they did it in Lagos that prompted this Abuja production. The play was enjoyed by many people, because there were a lot of reviews in the newspaper on the production in Lagos.”
Meanwhile, the anchor of Living Room of Bush House Nigeria, Mr. Michael Bush, said as a way of appreciating what the playwright for his support for Worldwin Media, Bush House will sponsor some members of audience in addition to featuring the Chief Op
erating Officer of BUAF, Miss Bikiya Graham-Douglas, to feature on the radio programme.
A satirical comedy, Castle in The Air is an adaptation of Kuldip Sondhi’s With Strings, but from the point of view of the Izon cultural milieu, dramatizing the traditional prejudices about inter-tribal marriages between various ethnic groups in Nigeria with characters who build their own castles in the air. This is achieved through a gift that tears family and friends apart.
As events unfold in the play, the dreams and visions of Alhaji Mustapha, a successful businessman, changed his attitude as a result of a letter from his brother-in-law. His son, Aminu, was to marry and father a son within twelve months and the family would get ten million naira. To Alhaji, Aminu had to be married before it was too late; to Hajia Binta, the money should be forgotten; and to Aminu, it was an opportunity to quickly marry his heartthrob, Stella. Unfortunately, this choice does not meet the approval of his parents, and Chief Emotari, Stella’s Uncle.
Also speaking
with Nico News in a telephone interview, the Chief Operating Officer of BUAF, Miss Bikiya Graham-Douglas, said the motivation to present Castle in the Air was from its message and the success it registered in its last outing in Lagos.
Stating that the play was directed by a resourceful theatre director, Mr. Israel Eboh, she explained that: “The story of Castle in the Air, its central message and humour are interesting that any theatre practitioner would want to produce it and theatre patrons would always want to watch. It is a play that promotes the culture of peace and unity. These are the emphasis of President Goodluck Jonathan most times he is talking. The play is what Nigeria deserves for its Christmas preparation. We expect 10,000 people, the way people are responding to the publicity. We urge theatre patrons in Abuja to go to Silverbird Galleria, Drumstix, Stodiez Garden, and Play Republic for their tickets.
Nwagbo Nnenyelike
Corporate Affairs