Flora Nwapa’s ‘Efuru’: When a timeless tale of strength, resilience lit up Owerri stage
By Anote Ajeluorou
IN a much-anticipated performance at SOP Theatre, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, organised by Morning Star Theatre Troupe, Joy Onyinyechi Nduka brought Flora Nwapa’s Efuru to life on stage in ‘An Evening of Play and Art Performance’ on Friday, July 12, 2024, produced and directed by Iwene Godswill. Nduka’s portrayal of Efuru was a masterclass in embodying the complexities of Nwapa’s feminine character, capturing both her strength and vulnerability with remarkable authenticity.
The stage design and direction played crucial roles in translating the novel’s rich cultural setting to a live audience. The set was meticulously crafted to reflect the traditional Igbo village, with huts, marketplaces, and the sacred river that plays a pivotal role in Efuru’s spiritual journey. The use of traditional music, costumes, and dance further immersed the audience in the time and place of the story.
The director’s vision ensured that the narrative’s emotional depth was conveyed through powerful visuals and dialogues. The staging of key scenes, such as Efuru’s interactions with Uhamiri and her poignant moments of loss and self-discovery was handled with sensitivity and artistic precision.
Nduka’s performance as Efuru was nothing short of mesmerizing. She delved deep into the character, capturing Efuru’s multifaceted personality with a performance that was both powerful and nuanced. Nduka’s portrayal was marked by her ability to convey a wide range of emotions, from Efuru’s initial joy and hope in her marriages to her profound sorrow and resilience in the face of adversity.
Nduka’s physicality on stage—her graceful movements and commanding presence—echoed Efuru’s inner strength and determination. Her interactions with other characters, especially during moments of conflict and introspection, were charged with an intensity that drew the audience into Efuru’s world.
Joy Onyinyechi Nduka with the author of Efuru, Flora Nwapa in the background
Nduka’s performance excelled in scenes requiring deep emotional expression. Her portrayal of Efuru’s grief at the loss of her child was particularly poignant, moving many in the audience to tears. This emotional connection was a testament to Nduka’s ability to channel the character’s inner life. Nduka’s attention to cultural details, such as her mastery of traditional Igbo expressions and her adeptness in traditional dances, added layers of authenticity to her performance. This cultural resonance helped bridge the novel’s setting with the audience’s experience.
One of the standout aspects of Nduka’s portrayal was her depiction of Efuru’s relationship with the river goddess Uhamiri. The scenes involving spiritual rituals were performed with a reverence and intensity that highlighted Efuru’s deep spiritual convictions and the solace she found in her connection to the goddess.
Nwapa’s “Efuru” is a powerful narrative that explores the resilience and agency of African women. Nduka’s performance at the National Theatre in Lagos did justice to this classic work, bringing Efuru’s story to life with an authenticity and emotional depth that resonated deeply with audiences. Through her portrayal, Nduka not only honored Nwapa’s legacy but also underscored the timeless relevance of Efuru’s journey, making it accessible and impactful for contemporary viewers.
Flora Nwapa’s novel Efuru, first published in 1966, is a seminal work in African literature. The story is set in a traditional Igbo village in Nigeria and revolves around the life of Efuru, a beautiful, strong, and independent woman. As the first Nigerian woman to publish a novel in English, Nwapa broke new grounds by focusing on the lives and challenges of African women, presenting a nuanced portrayal that diverged from the often patriarchal narratives of the time.
Efuru follows the eponymous protagonist through her life’s highs and lows, emphasizing themes of womanhood, cultural expectations, and resilience. The story begins with Efuru’s marriage to Adizua, a union that starts with promise but soon faces troubles. Adizua’s disappearance leaves Efuru heartbroken, but she eventually marries Gilbert, who also fails to provide the stability and happiness she seeks.
Efuru’s strength lies in her ability to endure and thrive despite personal tragedies, including the death of her only child. She is a successful trader, revered for her beauty and business acumen, and is spiritually connected to the river goddess Uhamiri, who symbolizes fertility and wealth. Efuru’s life is a constant negotiation between societal expectations and personal fulfillment, making her a symbol of feminine resilience and agency.
Nduka’s co-acts included Nneoma Iwuchukwu, Febechi Blessing, Eustace Ozodi and others while costume designer was Nneka Amarachukwu Nweke. Nduka also recently delivered what has been described as “a bold, exceptional and powerful performance” of Outspoken at Castle Street in Cardiff, Wales, to celebrate Pride Month.
