The play, Alhaji, written and directed by veteran actor, Bimbo Manuel, which was scheduled to be staged all Sundays in March at the Terra Kulture Arena has now been suspended due to the COVID 19 pandemic.
According to a statement by the director of the play, the decision to call off the play was taken in strict adherence to the directives of the Lagos state government and the desire to ensure the safety of cast, crew and audience and as well stop the spread of the virus.
“In the strictest obedience to the directive of the Lagos State Government as regards the prevention of the spread of the Corona Virus and in the protection of our audience and fans, we are forced to call off the play, ALHAJI. We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause and trust that you understand that in seasons like this, we must all pull together, even when it is at great pain. We hope to see you at the Terra Kulture Arena for other plays when all this blows over. Thank you indeed for your support and understanding. God bless you and please keep safe, observe all the health advice broadcast by government and qualified professionals. God keep us all” the statement obtained by The Culture Newspaper reads.
In a related development, Mrs Bolanle Austen Peters, Founder and Producer at Terra Kulture has announced the temporary closure of the Terra Kulture Arena in Victoria Island, Lagos due to the COVID 19 pandemic while the restaurant, bookstore, and gallery will remain open to admit a limited number of people at a time. This is the first time in 16 years that the Terra Kulture Arena will be closed.
According to a statement obtained by The Culture Newspaper, this was in compliance with the directives of the Lagos State Government while offering the option of a refund for anyone who has bought tickets for any of the shows earlier slated but has now been canceled due to the pandemic.
“Following the directives from the Lagos State Government prohibiting gatherings at events centers, bars, clubs social and political gathering, due to the COVID 19 pandemic, we regretfully have had to cancel all events scheduled to take place in our arena including Alhaji, the Bimbo Manuel production and the postponement of Oluronmbi Musical.
If you already bought tickets, we will reschedule your ticket for our next production or process a refund for you. We regret any inconvenience this has caused you” the statement reads.
Terra Kulture, however, revealed that the restaurants, bookstore, and art gallery will remain open and admit a limited number of people at every given time while assuring that every safety measures have been put in place.
“However, for the time being, our restaurant, bookstore, and gallery will remain open to admit a limited number of people at a time. We have implemented hygiene and social distancing measures including hand washing and temperature gauge at our facility” the statement added.
The statement also called on everyone to maintain safety measures and report to the relevant authorities if you display any symptoms of the virus.
“It is important that we all stay safe and help curb the spread of the virus by observing social distancing washing our hands regularly reporting to the nearest hospital if you feel sick or suspect we have come in contact with infected persons” the statement concluded.
