Ayodele Olalere
Lagos State government in partnership with Stagecraft Studios and Film is set to showcase the rich Yoruba culture with ‘Kurunmi’, a stage play directed by Nollywood actor, Oladapo Muyideen popularly known as Lala.
While speaking at a briefing to unveil the play, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke-Benson Awoyinka said the play adapted from the book ‘Kurunmi’ written by the late Ola Rotimi, showcases the rich culture and tradition of the Yoruba tribe as well as speaks to the political class and leaders.
She said the state government’s decision to be part of the production of the play was in line with the vision of the Lagos state government to make Lagos state the preferred destination for tourism, leisure and business in Africa.
The Commissioner described the play ‘as a masterpiece that showcases our rich cultural heritage, steeped in tradition and history. It showcases the talents of our vibrant arts industry and creativity of our theatre practitioners.’
According to her, the play tells the story of a legendary Yoruba king, Kúrunmí, who embodied courage, wisdom, and leadership ‘making it a must-see for everyone.’
The Commissioner lamented ‘the fast losing steam of our culture to the changing world, which she said the play aimed to restore.
She commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for throwing his weight behind the production of the stage play and urged Lagosians to Muyideen Oladapo.
The play is set to take place at Alliance Francaise on June 13th and 14th and also at the Terra Kulture Arena on July 20th and 21st, 2024.
The Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Gboyega Akosile assured that the government would do everything to ensure the success of the play.
‘The governor believes so much in our culture which was the reason he gave approval for the production of the play. We implore Nigerians to come and watch ‘Kurunmi,’ he said.
The production manager, Stagecraft, Michelle Adegbola said the play was about ‘Kurunmi’, a legendary warrior who stood for what he believed in, thereby passing a message to young ones not to ‘forget our heritage and culture.’
The Director of the play, Muyideen said the play is an opportunity to remind Nigerians of our culture.
“We have to look back and see why we lost our culture to the western world. The stage play takes us back to our root. Its the right play to talk to Nigerians about culture. We want Nigerians to come out and watch it,” he said.
Pic From left, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism Arts & Culture, Mrs Toyin Atekoja; Commissioner for Tourism Arts & Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka; Production Manager Stagecraft & Film Producer, Mitchel Bare-Adegbola and Group Executive Director Omnican Media Group, Mr Yinka Adebayo during a news conference to announce Kunrunmi a historical stage play in Lagos on Monday.
