Victor Ezeja
AdminAfter two brothers: Osarume and Oghenovo killed a chicken which happened to be the totem of Pa Barclays, the community elder soon died. This left the deceased’s family determined on avenging their patriarch by seeing to the death of the boys who grew up together and were quite fond of each other.
Most African traditions uphold the totem as a companion, relative, protector, progenitor, or helper, ascribe to it superhuman powers and abilities, and offer it some combination of respect, veneration, awe, and fear. Most cultures use special names and emblems to refer to the totem, and those it sponsors partially identify with the totem or are symbolic assimilation to it. There is usually a prohibition or taboo against killing, eating, or touching the totem.
Following the taboo committed by her children, Oghenovo’s mother went to beg the chief priest but was given the options of choosing which of her teenage sons to be spared while the other is sacrificed as an atonement. Growing up in a Christian family, she didn’t nuance her kids’ upbringing in the culture of their community.
Now the boys have committed an abomination which will never leave them nor their family the same again. This part of the riveting storyline of the play: “Waterside” – a live and digital theatre project which speaks to the culture of totemism and taboos, plagues in the oil-rich Niger Delta.
The hilarious, emotional yet didactic drama written and directed by Joshua Alabi, produced by Angela Peters, equally highlights the significance of culture, family, memories, and dreams, delving into historical issues of oil exploitation and struggles of Nigerian Youth – Unemployment.
Starring Moshood Fattah from the Far from Home Television series and Stanley Okeke, the magical play, set in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria explores its story from the eyes of two main characters through the themes of memory, family, poverty, and childhood
The core concept hinges on the subject of taboos and totemism, forest trees, animism, the links between the sky and earth, symbolism, links between the spiritual world of ancestors and people. Rituals and ceremonies which draw on these symbols often serve to link people with their cultural heritage, as well as their ancestral past.
In a season filled with regular concerts, film shows, and various events, the Waterside play provides a refreshing detour from the ordinary and embark on an unparalleled journey into a predominant culture and belief system in Nigeria.
According to the organisers, Kininso Koncepts, the showpiece will be happening on the 2nd, 3rd, 9th & 10th of December 2023 at Agip Recital Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan Lagos. There will be two shows per day billed for 2pm and 6pm. Details about the tickets and bookings are available on their website.
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