ArtHouse: Lively Act Of The Lion And The Jewel At Ocean Crest

Had Professor Wole Soyinka, author of the play: The Lion And The Jewel been at Ocean Crest School, Lekki recently, when pupils of the school entertained parents and friends with an electrifying presentation of the much-loved drama, he would have been more than proud.

The young actors and actresses gave a good account of themselves, as they were able to enact the story with such enthusiasm and creativity that guests couldn’t help but admire and laud their efforts.

It was quite obvious from their performance that the children, alongside their teachers, had put in a lot of work during rehearsals to be able to deliver such.

Beautifully dressed in colourful traditional costumes, which added to the beauty of the drama, as well as underscored its Africanness, the children properly interpreted their roles and acted accordingly, to the delight and excitement of guests.

And at the end of the day, guests were unanimous in their high assessment of the budding theatre crew. Ebun Awobadejo and Olaoluwa Salako, who were the narrators set the mood with a beautiful summary of the play, which is about contrasts, old versus young and culture versus change.

Sixteen-year-old Sidi, the village belle (acted by Vanessa Akunwa, Nicola Oni, Chidubem Nwokeocha, Tainalrakoze Bianca and Dumebi Mokwunye) ended up marrying wily 62-year-old Baroka, the “Lion” and Bale of Ilujinle (acted by Uthman Balogun, Tito Lawal, Solomon Folasayo and Victor Chukwu) although it was Lakunle, the young schoolteacher (acted by Tanitoluwa Soyombo, Imoh Abasi-Inyang and Sochi Idu) that first courted and wanted to marry her.

While Lakunle refused to pay the bride-price because of his belief that such practices were barbaric and should be done away with, Baroka upheld the tradition and through a twist in the drama, snatched Sidi.

However, it was Sadiku, Baroka’s first wife (acted by Melody Ewubare, Toluwani Ezemezie, Toju Oghoetuoma and Feyikemi Awobadejo), whose primary duty is to woo younger wives for the Bale that was instrumental to Baroka’s success in marrying Sidi.