The Confab lights up Terra Kulture stage

Next week, a stage play that explores man’s nature as a political being and his varying interests will be performed at Terra Kulture Theatre Arena, Victoria Island, Lagos. Titled The Confab, it is directed by Nwando Alayande. The Confab is a satire about Nigeria. It is fused with comedy and witty dialogue. Representatives and delegates from the various geo-political zones of the country gather at the confab, with the sole aim of sharing the proverbial “National Cake.” What happens during the confab and what does each man and woman take away as his or her share of the national cake?

With a 17-man cast, The Confab is a political satire that will keep theatre-goers glued to their seats as it will be staged twice this weekend on Saturday, November 17 and Sunday, November 18. Produced by Mabykay Productions, The Confab is a bold attempt to solve the riddle around governance and the knotty issues of our troubled polity. 

While speaking on what inspired The Confab, Alayande, who is passionate about lasting change in the country’s governance, said, “The general attitude of Nigerians towards issues that affect our collective life is deeply worrisome. I was concerned about voter apathy, and the fact that people are not being held accountable.”

I am concerned about our leave-everything-to-God syndrome and the general do-as-you-like-but-don’t-get-caught disposition; yet we complain about everything. I find it really funny that we like to compare ourselves with developed nations or nations that are getting things right, but we don’t want to apply the same principles in our actions. 

“For me, drama is an imitation of life and it has a way of conveying an important fact in a subtle but entertaining way. The Confab mirrors society, and interestingly, there is no individual scapegoat.” 

Cast members include Patrick Diabua as Speaker, Diana Agbede as Madam Onoriode, and Papa Sam as Terso. Others are Daniel Okezue, as Mazi Obiora, Tobi Ilesanmi as Otunba Ajani, Victor Joe as Mallam Tank, Nosa as Rubbertainer, Olabanke Banjo as Chichi and nine others. 

Driven by an overwhelming desire to tell stories through plays, Alayande’s works focus on topical issues. With over 10 years of professional experience as a playwright, producer, and director for both radio and stage, Alayande is a three-time winner of Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) Best Radio Drama of the Year in 2009, with The Failed Promise, 2014, with Joys of Motherhood, and 2016, with Flying Without Wings. Also in 2014, the Association of International Broadcasting (AIB) “highly commended” her work, The Ready Writer under its Creative Feature Category. The Ready Writer is a docu-drama on the life and times of renowned writer, Chinua Achebe.  

Some of her staged works include A Feast of Empty Plates, The Polygamist, The Blue Blood, The Maiden-The Law, Yeshua Ha Notzri, and Just Because. A wife, mother and journalist, Alayande is committed to using her plays for social change.

Source: G Entertainment