The cast and crew for Chioma Onyekwe’s stage play August Meeting will be taking the play to Abuja, Lagos and three south east states before the end of the year.
The play adapted by Paul Ugbede and directed by Kenneth Uphopho tells the story of the aftermath of the 1929 Aba Women Riot in which The Women of Oloko, a town in present day Ikwano local government of Abia state, returning from the protest, take on a new adversary building on the momentum of the successful protest. The fight this time is with their husbands, who have put structures in place to keep them perpetually subservient. The battle turns out not to be as easy as they had envisaged.
The producer, Onyenwe, said:
“The August Meeting examines themes that are extremely topical such as gender equality, women participation in politics, monopolized power, women as second-class citizens, motherhood, family and domesticity. It highlights the problem with patriarchy and the need for women empowerment.”
The play is inspired by the events of November 1929 where over 10,000 women came out in protest of colonial oppression and tax imposition on women.
The historical riot started with a fight between a widow by the name Nwanyereuwa and Emereuwa. Emereuwa was the messenger of the warrant chief who was sent to take census of livestock and inhabitants in each household for the purpose of taxation. This practice was wrong from the perspective of tradition; hence the upheaval, which snowballed into a mass protest by women from at least 6 ethnic groups, in which 56 people died. The victory was won with the repealing of the tax policy on market women, and curbing of the powers of the district officers.
August Meeting will be showing in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Nsukka, Awka, Owerri and Aba, casting Gloria Anozie, Inna Erizia, Odera Orj, Bella Rose Okojie, Ijeoma Aniebo, and Deola Gimbiya in a beautiful history inspired tale of women emancipation and self discovery.
The show schedules are as follows
Sunday 18th November
Main Stage, Freedom Park, Lagos
3pm and 6pm
Friday, 23rd and Saturday, 24th November, 2018
Shehu Musa Yaradua centre, Abuja
6PM (Friday) and 3pm and 6pm (Saturday)
Tuesday, 27th November 2018
New Arts Theatre, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
5PM
Wednesday 28th November 2018
Sports club, Enugu
6PM
Thursday, 29th November 2018
Marble Arch Hotel, Awka
6PM
Saturday, 1st December 2018
Cubana Centre, Owerri
5PM
Sunday, 2nd December 2018
Binez Hotel, Aba
4PM
Akwaowo Willie is a social media consultant for several businesses including SMEs and Startups. He is also an entrepreneur and writer with interests in entertainment, media, fashion, among others. He is married, with 2 adorable children.
Water and Garri,” Tiwa Savage’s debut film, premiered on Prime Video on May 10, 2024. This film marks not only her first acting role but also her foray into executive production. Set in Cape Coast, Ghana, the movie is directed by Meji Alabi and features a script by Comfort Emmanuel. Read more about Entertainment … Continue reading Tiwa Savage Makes Acting Debut in “Water and Garri”
If you’re thinking about venturing to the cinema on your own for the first time, you’re not alone! Going solo to the movies can be a fun and rewarding experience. In Nigeria, there are several cinemas to choose from, such as Silverbird Cinemas, Filmhouse Cinemas, Genesis Deluxe Cinemas, and Ozone Cinemas, among others. Each … Continue reading Taking Your First Solo Trip to the Cinema: A Beginner’s Guide
The 2024 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) recently took place, sparking discussions and reactions, particularly regarding Funke Akindele’s film A Tribe Called Judah. Despite receiving eight nominations, the film surprisingly did not secure any wins, leaving many fans and observers disappointed. Read more about Entertainment In contrast, Femi Adebayo’s “Jagun Jagun” was among … Continue reading AMVCA 2024: ‘Breath of Life’ Dominates as Funke Akindele’s ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ Misses Out on Awards
Music has been said to be a transport into many things, and “The Great Commission” by Minister Dunsin Oyekan is a bullet train. Dunsin has always blessed not just our spirit, but also our ears with God-sent sounds that push you into places. The album, which was released on April 21st of 2024, is … Continue reading Review of Dunsin Oyekan’s “The Great Commission”