FirstBank, Lagos State deal on Karunmi stage play

 

LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State Government has entered into a strategic partnership with First Bank Nigeria Ltd  for a stage play  titled, Karunmi adapted from Professor Ola Rotimi’s  play, Karunmi.

Karunmi is a production of Stagecraft Studios and Film Production Ltd sponsored by First Bank Nigeria Ltd.  The Lagos State Government’s partnership was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, during a press conference held a few weeks ago at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.

She said the government is partnering with the production firm to stage Kurunmi in its bid to foster historical heritage and prevent African culture and traditions from going into extinction, as well as expose and awaken the consciousness of youths to the role of good leadership anywhere they find themselves.

Kurunmi is a play written by renowned playwright, Prof. Ola Rotimi, explores  the themes of supremacy of tradition, social change, responsible leadership, control and accountability.

Kurunmi, which parades a large cast of 75 young and veteran actors and crew members, will be staged at Terra Kulture Arena on Saturday and Sunday, September 28 and 29.  The play is produced by Stagecraft Productions and directed by a renowned movie producer and actor, Mr. Oladapo Muyideen, popularly known as Lala.

The play is supported by FirstBank, as part of its First@arts initiative to promote the arts, preserve cultural heritage, and provide a platform for creative expression.

According to a press release by the bank, the play, set in the Yoruba kingdom of Oyo, follows Kurunmi, a military leader and war general facing internal strife and external threats from imperial powers, particularly the Fulani forces.

“Kurunmi is not only a powerful piece of literature but also a significant contribution to African drama,” the bank stated. Other sponsor includes the Nigerian Breweries Plc, with its Goldberg beer-an attestation of the brand’s connection to the culture and tradition of its consumers. The play will open for public on Saturday and Sunday from 3pm and 6pm.