If the play ever comes to a theatre near you, please go see it. I promise it will stir something inside you. And in the meantime, grab a copy of the book, it’s just as powerful.
Have you read it? What did you think of the wives? #AfricanLiterature#BabaSegi#BlackWomenWriters
I I watched this unforgettable classic on stage at the Arcola Theatre in London, back in 2018. Funny enough, I first heard about the author of Lola shoneyin, before I heard about the book itself. People raved about how outspoken, witty, and adventurous she was,
but every single show was sold out from the first week! I was shocked. Desperate, I searched online for resales—nothing. I even reached out to the cast and crew, and one of them kindly advised me to go directly to the theatre and get on the waiting list.
Baba Segi himself, played by Patrice Naiambana, was the quintessential ‘woman-wrapper’, charming and effortlessly funny. He made us laugh even during scenes that, in reality, wouldn’t be funny at all. The entire cast was exceptional. The singing, the dancing, flawless.
within polygamous households. It was both thought-provoking and hilariously entertaining.
It was daring. Bold. Unapologetically Nigerian. It touched on sensitive and controversial issues, nothing was off limits. Definitely not for kids! (Cover their ears, please. 😅)
So, I showed up 2hrs early, hoping someone would cancel their ticket. And guess what? They did. Lucky me!
Now, about the play,it was brilliant. A simple story, told in the most extraordinary way. The production beautifully captured the chaos, humour, and deep-rooted scandals
Lately, I have come to a realization that The Yoruba culture is bigger than the tribe or the language. I have reasons to believe that Yoruba is indeed the source. I remember learning about the Yoruba myth of creation back in secondary school, where Oduduwa descended from heaven
I’m not worried that my kids cannot read or write Yoruba, their interest in the language is enough for me, I’m assured that when it is time, “The Yoruba” will summon them, as it summoned me, and they will learn even more than I did.
“The Yoruba, The phenomenon “
Íré ó.