Nigerian stage production “Dear Applicant” is set to make its international festival debut at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe this August, following its well-received performances at the recently concluded Peckham Fringe Festival in London.
Written by Ibi Kontein and produced under the Sabi Arts banner, “Dear Applicant” was staged at Theatre Peckham on May 23 and 25 during the fourth edition of the annual Peckham Fringe, which ran from May 1 to June 6, 2025. The production was brought to life by producers Sheriff Adekunle and Patrick Popolampo, with the latter also playing a lead role.
The play explores the harsh realities of unemployment in Nigeria through the story of Jaja, a first-class graduate and ICAN-certified job seeker, whose qualifications have amounted to years of rejection, exploitation, and humiliation. Combining sharp wit with social commentary, “Dear Applicant” delivers a deeply resonant critique of a broken system.
Following its Peckham run, the producers confirmed that the production has been officially selected for the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, widely regarded as the world’s largest theatre festival. It will be presented under C Venues, a platform known for showcasing cutting-edge global theatre.
“This is a huge step for all of us,” the production team stated in a recent announcement, expressing their excitement and readiness to take the play to a wider international audience. They are currently seeking sponsorship and community support to help realise this next phase of the production’s journey.
“We would be grateful for the same incredible backing you gave us in London. Every bit of support—from spreading the word to direct partnership—makes a real difference,” the statement added.
The Edinburgh run marks a significant milestone for “Dear Applicant” and its creators, building on the momentum of its London debut and amplifying the voices of emerging African theatre-makers on a global stage.
For updates and sponsorship enquiries, the team can be reached via Sabi Arts’ official channels.