Encomium
New theatre series, Plays by Bunmi Davies debuted on Saturday, September 14, 2013, at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos with the stage play of Jekwu Ozoemene’s Anger of fulfilment.
Incidentally, the CEO, Afrotainment Media, producers of popular comedy show, Stand up Nigeria and now, Plays by Bunmi Davies, Bunmi Davies turned 40 on Sunday, September 15, 2013, making the grand event a double celebration.
The lanky Davies was joined on stage by his wife, daughter and parents as they cut his birthday cake as part of the celebrations immediately after the exclusive 12pm show. The play itself was excellent in terms of setting and the delivery of the cast.
The Anger of Fulfilment is a story about the complex and multi faceted phenomenon of human trafficking, especially of women. The play also highlights poverty as the driving force behind the crime. The cast is made up of Adesuwa, Iyobosa, General Tinker Tailor (aa Niger Delta militant), Madam Boys Quarters, the Fake Prophet and General Zino as well as Greg Ovia.
ENCOMIUM Weekly was at the first show and spoke with the producer, the cast as well as Nigeria’s king of comedy, Alibaba who led other comedians to honour Bunmi Davies.
‘Expect the best from us’ -BUNMI DAVIES
You just kick started a new project Plays by Bunmi Davies and you turned 40 same day, how does it feel achieving this landmark?
It feels good. It feels no different really, but I feel fulfilled.
You were acting before you started Stand up Nigeria, why did you decide to come back to your first love?
It is simply because it is my passion and I’m happy to have made it happen eventually.
Is it going to be a one off or is this going to continue?
It is not a one off. Plays by Bunmi Davies is here to stay, it is the theatre version of Stand up Nigeria.
So, when and where will the next show come up?
You will have to keep your fingers crossed and expect the best from us.
What do you think about live theatre in Nigeria?
The live theatre culture, if given the right environment, will flourish. This show was sold out even before the show today and you can see people are eager to be a part of it.
How can youths be encouraged to get themselves engaged productively in the face of much unemployment?
Youths should encourage themselves. It’s give and take. So, everybody should encourage themselves. You get what you give. You can’t push somebody who doesn’t have the drive. But when the drive is seen, of course, it’s easier to bring a helping hand.
How does it feel being 40?
It’s just a number.
A word for your fans for coming out today?
Thank you for supporting us, God bless you all. And like Oliver Twist, we still want more.
‘I feel elated’ – -ORE BADMUS
What is your name and what role did you play?
My name is Ore Badus, aka Ore must bad. I played Iyobosa in Anger of Unfulfilment. Iyobosa is a young lady who is affected by the level of degradation in our clime and so she sought all sorts of means to make ends meet. She’ll do anything to get money and live well.
As an actress, how do you compare live theatre to acting for television?
Live theatre is more strenuous than television because everything has to be on point. When recording for TV, they can cut and start again. This is a stage and nobody says cut. Even if you make a mistake, you have to learn how to cover up fast because it’s a live audience. The stage is more difficult but enjoyable.
Is this your first time working with Bunmi Davies?
Yes, it is.
So, how do you feel with the success of this outing?
I feel elated especially seeing a lot of people walking up to me and say well done, good job, keep it up, but I think I can do better.
‘It is fantastic’ –IFE
What is your name and what role did you play?
My name if Ife Salako, I’m also called Ifektive. I’m a radio presenter with Naija FM 102.7, I played Commander Zino and Greg Ovia, and these are two different characters. Commander Zino is a militant warlord, while Greg is a repented fraudster.
How would you rate the play with the reception of the audience?
It is fantastic because there are lots of things that people do not know. The play is very educational. People just know that militants are fighting in the creeks but they don’t know why. There is so much to learn from the play and then there are lots of fantastic punch lines which make it interesting from the beginning to the end.
Are you encouraged by the turn out?
Yes, I am. We just finished the first show and the hall was almost full. Before the second show, we knew there were so many people waiting outside. The tickets sold out before today and I expect that all the shows are going to be great.
‘He’s a key player in the industry’ –ALIBABA
Why are you here supporting Bunmi Davies?
He is a key player in the comedy industry. He provides a platform for comedians to grow and he has worked with me, as the producer of most of my shows, if not all. And besides, he’s a family friend and he’s somebody I believe in so much.
Did you expect this huge turnout today?
I expected even more. Bunmi has been into plays all along before going into stand up comedy. He has been providing a platform of total comedy and I think that this thing he’s doing has been a long time coming.
What would you say to him especially as he turns 40?
I would tell Bunmi that life has not begun o, don’t mind them wey dey say life begins at 40. Now is when you learn how to live the life. Then life will begin later.
– Interviews by DANIEL FAYEMI
