Five hundred actors will be involved in the four historical plays to be staged by the Duke of Shomolu Productions in Lagos in December.
This was disclosed by the Chief Executive Officer of the theatrical firm, Joseph Edgar to the News Agency of Nigeria.
Edgar told the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Lagos that the plays would be staged in three consecutive weekends, with the first slated for December 10.
Among the December plays are Ufok Ibaan and Ogiame Erejuwa II, written and directed by William Benson; Awo, written and directed by Makinde Adeniran; and Our Duke Has Gone Made Again, written and directed by Segun Adefila.
Edgar said: “Ufok Ibaan, which is a depiction of the Ikot Abasi women’s uprising of 1929, was staged in Uyo, Akwa Ibom to massive applause, while Ogiame Erejuwa was also staged in Warri, with the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, Dein of Agbor and the Asagba of Asaba in attendance.
“The need to bring these wonderful productions to the Lagos audience cannot be overemphasised.”
He said that the budget for the activity, which was in excess of N70 million, would be the biggest independent theatre festival since Festac 77.
He said that the plays would be backed by the biggest ever media campaign for a theatre project – 12 billboards, six TV stations and 50 news media outlets.
According to him, one of the historical plays – Ufok Ibaan – will have scenes of upper female nudity.
He added: “The project will parade the most expensive directorial talent with about N10 million penciled down.
“We are expecting over 20,000 attendees over the period and another one million to view through live streaming.
“It will also pull in a market with an estimated value of N10 billion for sponsors and other associate firms.
“We are targeting over 50 corporate sponsors led by First Bank, Zenith, Access and Wema Bank.”