Staging Aiye-Ko-Ooto’s ‘The Noble Warrior’ to celebrate Soyinka @90
By Editor
A multi-media literary, theatre, and movie company, Adubiifa Network Company (ANC), will exhilarate Nigeria’s drama and theatre space with the public presentation of the stage play The Noble Warrior – Eni Ogun, written by Aiye-Ko-Ooto, directed by Oriade Adefila and produced by Cash Onadele. It will be performed in honour of Yoruba culture ambassador, national icon and global literary giant, Professor Oluwole Soyinka to commemorate his landmark 90th birthday.
A collaboration between Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) and Adubiifa Network Company, The Noble Warrior is scheduled to be premiered on July 15, 2024 at 6:00pm in Abeokuta at the Hubert Ogunde Hall inside June 12 Cultural Centre. In Lagos, four shows will be held at MUSON Centre on July 20th and 21st with two shows daily at 3:00pm and 6:00pm respectively.
A statement from the Executive Producer, Toye Arulogun, said, “With a carefully selected cast and technical crew, this celebrative cultural heritage play showcases the protagonist brand persona likened to Wole Soyinka and highlighting similar personality traits as a fighter and the humane warrior in his 90-year sojourn on earth.
Director of the stage The Nobel Warrior Segun Oriade Adefila at work
“The storyline is that of Oluwole – a princely noble warrior who desires a private life of hunting, teaching, and romancing his intended, Olasope. Little did he know that Olasope’s fervent wish would be the subject of a bet between the wizard and the witch of the land. Oluwole’s new goal is to rid his homeland of the British. This follows (his adversary) Gbadamosi’s prompt for Major Scott to deflower Olasope, Oluwole’s intended.
“The spine of The Noble Warrior drama: Only one arrow, the conscience, doubtful or delicate, pierces the crossroad of corruption, colonialism, and the crown.”
The production of this commemorative tribute to Soyinka is expected to tour selected cities across Nigeria after these initial shows in Abeokuta and Lagos.
