Lagos Adopts ‘Isale Eko’ As Stage Play For Lagos@50

Lagos State government is the latest in line to adopt the Joseph Edgar’s satirical stage play ‘Isale Eko’ as part of the event line up to mark 50^th anniversary of Lagos State.

Disclosing this to the media during the cast and crew visit to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in Lagos, was the Acting Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture/Special Adviser to Governor of Lagos State on tourism, arts and culture, Mrs. Adebimpe Akinsola.

Elated Akinsola, who received the team in her office, stated that the endorsement and support from the Lagos State to this stage play, underpins the governor’s resolve to support the creative industry and position it as a revenue earner not only for the state but also to the practitioners.

“Governor takes personal interest in creative industry particularly theatre. He has overtime demonstrated his passion towards this industry and he would not stop until the industry takes it pride of place among other genres,” she said.

Responding to the visit, the acting commissioner said the ministry through governor’s support had supported several groups but none had deemed it fit to return to show appreciation.

Joseph Edgar, the executive producer of the play, who is also an investment banker and columnist, said, the team was appreciative to the state government and pledged to take Lagos history to the world through theatre.

Edgar said, “Isale Eko tells the story of Lagos in a unique way. It leans lightly on historical facts with a blend of romance, songs and comedy to give it a contemporary depth. It is a story that will drive into the audience a rash of emotions as they would cry at the seeming tragedy that befalls Akitoye a leading protagonist, laugh at the comedic turn of Madam Tinubu as she strategically plays a balancing act between the warring Akitoye and Kosoko ruling families and then get touched by the wonderful romance between the aggressive yet soft Kosoko who finds the Bini damsel irresistible”.

Also speaking on the stage play, one of the casts, Yemi Sodimu said he believes that Lagos being the seat of excellence and Isale Eko with its 400-year history deserves to be celebrated.

According to him, “Isale Eko remains one of the bowl of our civilization, with its early contact with the Europeans traders. It is the womb that gave birth to what is today known as modern Lagos and as such it’s story and history must be preserved and celebrated in all its glory”.

The Producers strategically added historic cultural sights like the Bight of Benin, the Oba’s Palace, the Badagry Slave Port and a host of other cultural sites in the play as a ‘pull factor’ to boost international tourism into Lagos.

Furthermore, a team of mainstream UK based journalists are expected to watch the play and tour these historic sites culminating with a visit to the Governor of Lagos State and the Oba of Lagos.

Among the cast of the stage play are Patrick Doyle, Femi Bright, Yinka Davies, Hafiz Oyetoro and Big Brother Naija star, ThinTallTony.