It was indeed a worthy time out with family and friends, as Theatre enthusiasts were captivated and fascinated by “WHISPERS,” a compelling stage play that recently graced the Main Hall stage of the Shodex Gardens, Ilupeju, Lagos during the Easter Monday holiday.
The audiences were treated to two different shows as the Matinee started about 3.30pm while the Command Performance started about 6.00pm same day, same venue with different audiences but same cast and crew.
The audience were first captivated by the dance routine of the Black Gold Academy who opened the show while Alayande Stephen with the stage name ” The Sage” also held them spell bound with a Yoruba dance poetry recitation and performance of the poem titled ” Ayan Ma Lulu Ya”.
It was a satirical poetic sojourn into the life of promiscuous individual male beating the different drums of so many uncountable females to their own detriment mentally, sexually, medically and psychologically.
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After wetting the audience appetite, the Stage Play “WHISPERS ” came alive with the Narrator played by Nollywood Actor in person of Tomiwa Songonuga opening the scene with a disturbance narrative of what to come of the creative piece.
Written by Ola Thompson-Tabi and Paul Uwagbai, produced by Alayande Stephen and directed by Paul Uwagbai, “WHISPERS” weaves a rich tapestry of age long family feud, family secrets, archaic belief systems, societal pressures, personal struggles that resonated deeply with attendees.
The play unfolds in a village setting in Ayetoro and centers around the two families of the Ogunrele and the Ogunbona whose ancestral feud and age-long hatred almost truncated the new found love of their kids in Tunde and Bisi.
Through sharp dialogue and evocative staging, “WHISPERS” masterfully explores the fragility of truth, the burden of the past, the complexity and confusion that comes with the treachery of whispers as represented by Gboro, a villain played by a Tech Guru in person of Julius Olaoluwa Oyekanmi (CEO, Finnova Corp & QUIDBOT).
Other casts also delivered powerful performances, with standout portrayals by Tunde which was played by Uwagbai Stephen, Bisi played by Chioma, Baba Bisi played by Paul Uwagbai himself, Mama Bisi played by Helen Sosu-Ezirim (Convener, The Street University Project TSUP) delivering a nuanced and emotionally charged performances.
And one would not forget how the role of the Inspector played by Dr. Ochuko Odesa Jeff (A Chartered Accountant) and the role of Baba Tunde played by Alayande Stephen brought depth and humor to the creative work itself.
According to Alayande Stephen, CEO, TheatreMania Africa and the producer of the stage play said, “WHISPERS” is a significant contribution to contemporary Nigerian theatre, prompting reflection on the enduring legacies of the past and the urgent need for healing and communication.
“The play, which delves into the complexities of intergenerational trauma and its impact on a modern Nigerian family, has been lauded for its raw emotional honesty and unflinching portrayal of difficult realities. It is a play that will stay with you long after you leave the theatre.
We will let you in on when we will be bringing another stage production for the 3rd quarter of the year before the main TheatreMania Africa Festival on October 14th-17th, 2025 at Shodex Gardens and Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos”, he concluded proudly.
The production’s intermittent dance and musical routines by the Black Gold Academy, last scene freezing of the whole casts for the narrator’s intervention, the funny closing dance by all the casts and the minimalist and evocative set design further enhanced the play’s atmosphere and emotional impact on the audience.
“WHISPERS” is more than just a story; it’s an experience that prompts reflection on thrusts of love, age long bitterness, inherited family feud, unity, perseverance, diligence, powerplay and the need for forgiveness. The play has been lauded for its insightful writing, compelling narrative, powerful and witty interpretation by the casts.
Some of the dignitaries that graced the show were Mr. Tosin Ajirire (Publisher/Editor In Chief, Showbiz Africa Magazine), Mr. Adeniji Omirin (CEO, ADNOM Communications) & President, Electronic Media Content Owners Association Of Nigeria (EMCOAN), Dr. D.F Salau(Chairman, University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), Lagos Branch, Mrs. Adeola Dada (MD, Charis Media Consulting), Mrs. Olubunmi Oluwarotimi (MD, Luscious Delight), Mrs. Oluwakemi Akinola (Country Manager, Platos Health), Mr. Temitope Oluwarotimi FCA (Chartered Accountant), Mr. Oyewale Oyediran (LIRS), Mr. Oladoyin Ishola(CEO, Ladoyin Foods), Mr. Femi Idowu (Nollywood Film Director), amongst others.
The Stage Play WHISPERS is put together by TheatreMania Africa in conjunction with Shodex Gardens and Nkan Media with support from Finnova Corp ( QUIDBOT), Platos, Eagles House Global Resources, The Street University Project (TSUP), EventPadi, WAP TV, Hip TV, Paparazzi Media, RAVE TV, R2TV/R2FM, The Nollywood Reporters, Showbiz Africa, Brand Times, Brand Visibility, GOLDYMYNE TV, Acada Magazine, Splash9ja, TheatreDome, MNET 24 Studio, Freshwave Concepts, among others.
BV.
