Over the weekend, lovers of theater flocked to the Muson Centre at Onikan to watch Award-winning actress and producer, Bikiya Graham-Douglas’ play “Jagagba”, which ran from Friday, the 19th till Sunday 21st July 2019.

“Jagagba” is a play which highlights the conflict of traditional society with interplays of political metaphors and social contradictions. The play explored the quandary of familial ties, the complexity of policy iteration and the perceived gap between evolving cultures including relevant social issues such as the societal value of women, female inclusion, security, and co-existence. While bringing the issues to light, the play was able to take the audience through several emotions ranging from shock to joy, which climaxed at the crowning of Abebi (played by Bam Bam), one of the foremost female characters highlighting the themes of gender equality.

The themes of the play resonated with the audience in that they invited the audience to look inward and learn much more about their own lives: the boundaries they place on themselves, the lines between conventionality and marginality; and indeed, the often-microscopic lens with which most of us lead our lives. Moving rather quickly from one emotion to the other with the “oohs,” “aahs,” and of course, the tears, it is evident that the audience experiences evolutionary attitudes just like the characters in the play.

A native of Kogi state, the writer of this astounding play, Abdul-Qudus Ibrahim, is a Banking and Finance graduate of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State. Unable to contain his excitement on the opening day, Ibrahim stated that his excitement at his play garnering massive recognition and exposure was indescribable but more importantly, what warmed his heart and assured him he was on the right path were the amazing reviews he got from the audience, theatre enthusiasts and acclaimed playwrights alike. He further reiterated his heartfelt thanks to BEETA Universal Foundation for the extraordinary opportunity.

Jagagba was produced by Bikiya-Graham Douglas’s Beeta Universal Arts Foundation (BUAF), making it the second edition of the foundation’s Beeta Playwright Competition. The BUAF was founded as an avenue to create opportunities for young people to develop their talent and tell authentic Nigerian stories.

Jagagba starred Kunle Coker, Mawuyon Ogun, Bamike Olawunmi “Bam Bam”, Ese Lami George, Olarotimi Fakunle, Eden Attai, Kelvinmary Ndukwe.

“Jagagba” was proudly supported by YNaija, Union Bank, Oud Majestic, Belloxi, Paper Worth Books, Beat FM, AMC Channels, Media Room, EbonyLife TV, Classic FM, Silverbird TV & LASAA.