Actor and theatre director, Joshua Alabi, has announced the commencement of ‘Tiata Tori’ (monthly stage plays) at his art hub, Kininso Place, located at Sanyaolu Street, Oregun, Lagos.
He disclosed that ‘Tiata Tori’ is part of his efforts to create a mini-hub for stage plays on the mainland; a weekend monthly showcase of sensational, entertaining and educating theatre shows.
“We tell original, interesting and thought-provoking stories with dance, music and drama that will resonate in the hearts of people. This initiative helps in the overall development of an artist and serves as a relaxing spot for the audience after a hectic week,” Alabi explained in a statement.
He disclosed that ‘Tiata Tori’ began in 2015 at Ethnic Heritage Centre, Ikoyi but later stopped. Last December, it recommenced at the Kininso Place with in-house production, ‘Cream body’.
“It was one of four works created after our research lab as part of the Fratz International Festival, Berlin, where we treated the subject of skin tone, colourism and identity. It is a comedy-drama, full of suspense and intrigue that brings the daily troubles that come with living in a face–me–I -face–you house,” he said.
Professor Ola Rotimi’s ‘Man Talk Woman Talk’ was staged in January and runs every February weekend.
Featuring Joy Nmezi, Austine Onuoha, Oladotun Olagbadebo and Stanley Okeke, the play humorously explores gender stereotyping. It uses banter, provocative, vulgar, aggressive, caring and loving languages to answer questions on why men and women must let go of their ego and eccentric behaviours and listen to one another.
“The play will be on every weekend (Saturday and Sunday) in February with a fixed price of N3,500 for the ticket. Tickets can be gotten in bulk or at a stretch for three months, six months or a year with a favourable discount,” Alabi explained.
He further disclosed that other plays on the bill for 2022 include Professor Femi Osofisan’s ‘The Engagement’, Barclays Ayakoroma’s ‘Castles in the Air’, Paul Ugbede’s ‘Dialing Love’, Professor Ahmed Yerima’s ‘The Mirror Cracks’ and his ‘Beyond the Wig.’