The 2020 Eko Theatre Festival begins on Monday with choreographer and Ekiti State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Professor Rasaki Ojo Bakare, delivering the lead paper.
He will speak on ‘Nigerian Theatre in the Age of Pandemic’ while a lecturer at De Montfort University, Leicester, England, Dr Funmi Adewole, will moderate the session.
On Tuesday, August 4, famous comedian, Ali Baba will speak on ‘Entrepreneurship and the Arts’ “He was chosen due to his firm belief in collective growth. Ali Baba’s philosophy is that the business of comedy is big enough to accommodate all who are determined to make a successful career out of it. To this end, he supports and mentors several comedians. He also ensures that a high standard of professionalism is maintained,” the organisers said in explaining the famous comedian’s choice. Princess Damilola Adekoya, better known as Princess, will moderate the session.
The festival, which ends on Sunday, August 9, is a combination of virtual and real. “It is a truism that when the rhythm changes, the sane must also change their dance. Therefore, the 2020 edition shall be a combination of a ‘minimised real’ and ‘maximised virtual’, the organisers, Crown Troupe of Africa explained in a statement.
Twenty-one companies will feature during the festival, which will also feature the works of brilliant playwrights, directors, choreographers, actors, musicians, dancers and visual artists.
Due to social distancing measures, only very few tickets are available to access the festival venue. “We have 20 tickets to sell for each day of the festival. Not more than 20 per day so early booking is advised. A ticket and your face mask are all you need to gain entrance into our Centre, the festival venue,” organisers said.
