‘Dear Kaffi’: Excellent Quality Sells Itself –Austen-Peters

‘Dear Kaffi’, a captivating story about love and society, successfully returned to the scintillating stage of Terra Kulture Arena in Victoria Island, Lagos and will be climaxing to a finale this Sunday, January 5, after an 11-day run.

Directed by the acclaimed Queen of theatre in Nigeria, Mrs Bolanle Austen-Peters, the play returned to the stage on Thursday December 26 (Boxing Day).

It was Terra Kulture and BAP Productions’ trump card for the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season after the two organisations ran the hugely successful debut edition of the Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF), where the play made its spectacular debut, in November 2024.

Produced by Austen-Peters and Joseph Umoibom, ‘Dear Kaffy –Kike’s Story’ is the captivating tale of Kikelomo Olota, a 35-year-old single woman navigating life, love, and societal expectations in Lagos.

From her teenage years, Kike’s brilliance in academics earned her admiration, but her lack of romantic relationships set her apart.

Determined to fit in, she traded her smarts for popularity, only to find herself entangled in a series of tumultuous relationships.

From Femi, a charming but deceitful lover, to Emeka, a seemingly perfect man who turned out to be married, Kike’s journey is filled with heartbreak and lessons that shape her perspective on love and self-worth.

Amid growing pressure from her family, especially her father, Kike is introduced to Debo, a suitor with whom she shares an unexpected connection. However, her past returns in the form of Tamuno, an ex-boyfriend whose presence threatens her budding relationship with Debo.

As Kike struggles to reconcile her desires with societal expectations, she is forced to confront her insecurities, redefine her values, and decide what truly matters.

With humour, music, and a sharp critique of cultural norms, ‘Dear Kaffy – Kike’s Story’ is a vibrant exploration of love, identity, and the pursuit of authenticity in the face of overwhelming pressure.

The play stars renowned thespians like Bimbo Manuel, Uzo Osimkpa, Yewande Osamein, Abiola Lepe, Sharon Adaeze, Ralph Okoro, Nonzo Bassey, Hector Amiwero, Floyd Igbo and Bukola Ogunnote.

Some of the best hands in the industry are also on the crew list, with Stage Manager being Ikenna Jude Okpala while Kehinde Oretimehin and Deji Aremu directed the music for this beautiful production.

The co-producer, Joseph Umoibom, said he is excited that the play is back after it was first performed at the recently held LITF.

“Dear Kaffi was a star among the rich line-up of plays that we presented at the Lagos International Theatre Festival. It connected very well with the audience and the feedback has been fantastic. We reckon that it is the perfect play to give to the audience this period. It is the perfect companion to bring theatre lovers to the end of the year and to lead them into a very promising new year,” he said.

Austen-Peters, who created the annual Lagos International Theatre Festival and has led a creative revolution through Terra Kulture in the last 20 years, also expressed joy that the theatre scene is holding its own in this holiday season.

She said: “Lagos is definitely agog this holiday season with everywhere lit up by exciting people. We are pleased to see that our play is one of the programmes giving joy to the people and the response has been tremendous.

“We are fully sold out from Day 1. Excellent Quality sells itself, that has been our experience with Dear Kaffi,” Austen-Peters said.