#ThrowBackThursday: Things Fall Apart

Remember Things Fall Apart?  Not the book by literary great, Chinua Achebe, but its TV adaptation in this case. Many Nigerian families in the 80s gathered around their TV screens to witness the bringing to life of one of our best told stories. The mini series was directed by David Orere and featured the likes of Pete Edochie, Nkem Owoh and the late Sam Loco; veterans of Nollywood more or less. I was told by a friend that the programme was initially intended to be a film but ended up being made into a mini series by the NTA (Nigerian Television Authority). That’s a fun fact for you to take home. Who can forget the handsome Edochie, giving a memorable performance as the main character, Okonkwo? The actor fully encapsulated the manliness that Okonkwo is well known for, with roots in his resentment against his lazy, cowardly father. The chemistry between him and the other characters was electrifying, particularly with his sons, and his strong hand over his family and community typified the Alpha Male of Africa in the flesh. Things Fall Apart was the perfect combination of suspense, intrigue and even a bit of humour. We can only reminisce on the goodness of Nigerian TV back in the 80s and look forward to the innovative works that await us in the future.    

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This article was first published on 10th September 2015

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