Ida Kortein’s “Back for Ground” Explores Sex Work and Power Dynamics in New Stage Production

Playwright and director Ida Kortein is set to stage a new edition of “Back for Ground”, a stage play that examines sex work, power struggles, and societal expectations.

The production, which was first performed in 2022, will be held at Muson Center on April 19 and 20, 2025.

Kortein, the founder of Sabi Arts Foundation, has produced several plays in Ogun, Port Harcourt, Lagos, and Peckham (UK), often collaborating with organizations like the Lagos Fringe Festival.

Her productions focus on themes that challenge cultural and religious norms, and “Back for Ground” follows that approach by addressing sex work and the structures that sustain it.

The title references the phrase, “money for hand, “Back for Ground”,” commonly associated with sex work. Kortein noted that while such discussions often spark condemnation, the reality persists due to ongoing demand.

This year’s edition introduces a larger venue, updated stage and sound design, and a new cast member from Nollywood. Kortein emphasized that the production remains focused on exploring lived experiences rather than reinforcing stereotypes.

As “Back for Ground” returns to the stage, it continues to question how power, morality, and survival intersect in a society that publicly rejects but privately sustains certain practices.