Day 6: AUGUST 8
EKO Theatre Carnival’s penultimate session began at CMS Grammar School in Bariga, with a poetry session, followed by a Theatre Centrik production of Ishola Akinwumi’s Efunsetan Aniwura. The story is based in Akinwumi’s hometown, Ibadan, and is about a lady who loses a child, and then uses her juju/witchcraft to control the people in her village and prevent anybody else from procreating.
Alabi Halimat Omotayo was the lead actress, choreographer and assistant director of today’s rendition (incredible commitment, worthy of so much respect); she said the overall message is that people with powers should tread very carefully because life is all about timing. Knowing how and when to tread carefully is where true power lies.
Next up was the Footprint of David Art Academy; one of Bariga’s top performing groups of its kind. Seun Awobajo, their choreographer and director appeared to be enjoying his own work to the max, and who can blame him? This piece was difficult to look away from. These joy-filled children were dressed to impress, and each dance step was so lively and in-sync – very well done.
Their performance was followed by Drums Ministry, who also looked great wearing the nation’s flag colours. Again, this performance was truly epic. They used a range of large and small drums from Badagry, such as the Sato, Akohun, and Tehun, and the pounding was on point!
For the second part of the day, we headed over to the Art Factory on Awofodu Street for a Crown Troupe of Africa production of Omo Odo (The Servant), which attracted the Eko Theatre Carnival’s largest crowd so far this week. The quality of performance was, of course, as expected from this well-known and well-experienced performing arts group. 20-or-so members of the play’s original cast were present, all of whom were introduced by Segun Adefila at the end of the show. Whilst on stage, they discussed the journey of Crown Troupe and Adefila credited those who pioneered this movement during a time when resources were scarce: no drums, no rehearsal space, no nothing! It was touching to hear how a barber provided their first drum, and another supporter assisted with providing a suitable rehearsal space. It really goes to show just how helpful small gestures can be. We also learned of how one Troupe member performed during a tragic time in her life, fulfilling that universal commitment to the arts that Freddie Mercury and Queen once spoke about: The Show Must Go On… Challenges, sacrifice and dedication.
Event number 6 was one we’ve all been waiting for this week: Dayo ‘Ijodee’ Liadi definitely lived up to his name during his dance routine today, which was served with a twist… literally: the stage became a seating area, and vice versa. The audience formed a standing ring around Ijodee’s performance, which grabbed and held everyone’s attention for it’s entire duration.
The world does not tend to associate Nigeria with contemporary art and dance, but this seems to really be a thing here! A great dancer is a person who is able to tell stories by using their body and facial expressions in such a way that they can form a powerful connection with their audience. That is precisely what he did: Ijodee flaunted his flexibility and shed tears whilst he danced with statue props, located both amongst and away from the audience. This was an unspoken tale of a person going through something astonishing. The finale led us inside to a dark room, where a slide-show was flicking through images of people who have served as inspiration for his art.
Today’s atmosphere was majestic and dignified. When asked about his overall experience, Bariga’s Don Dudu said that it was “spiritually elevating.” We second, third and fourth that! Thank you and well done to all of today’s artists!
An extra special thanks to The Logistics Band – the entertainment for tonight’s wonderful and lively garden party.
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THE WRAP…
DAY 7. SUNDAY, AUGUST 8
The ETC Boat finally berths today at no more a befitting place than the Bariga Boat Jetty.
Here are the artistic offerings.
Refashioned Recycle as inspired by ace Art Fashion designer, the inimitable Modela himself. The performance models are the fast rising children art company Kings and Queens and the host company, Crown Troupe. Time:5pm.
Music Concert by alumni of Crown Troupe: Damilare, Sinmi Jay, Olusegun (Violin), Rush Coded, Africana, FMJ, Fash and the STARLITE Band.
Host: Koffi Tha Guru!
Time: 4pm.
Digital Venue Zoom 1: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81766194016?pwd=M2RaOE1NWWVIUTdZcm1wWkhPU2d6dz09
Digital Venue Zoom 2 :
Crown Troupe of Africa Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/crowntroupeofafrica/
Physical Venue:Beeriga, Boat Jetty, Ilaje Road. Bariga.
