Ogundele Shola, popularly known as Mez, has spoken about his long-held ambition to stage a one-man play as he prepares for the debut of And You Call Yourself A Man, an upcoming theatre production in which he serves as both producer and lead actor.
In an exclusive interview with The Nollywood Reporter (TNR), Shola, who has spent more than 12 years working in theatre, said the project gave him the opportunity to finally pursue a creative challenge he had always been interested in.
“I have always wanted to do a one-man play mainly because it’s very unconventional, and it takes a lot to pull off. So it’s sort of a challenge on my craft as an actor,” he said.
While he has watched several one-man stage productions over the years, Shola said his vision for And You Call Yourself A Man is to incorporate elements that extend beyond a traditional solo performance.
“I have seen a couple of one-man plays over the years, but my vision for this is to bring total theatre into it. So it’s not just ‘one man’ as it were. There are other embellishments. There’s music, drums, invisible characters. Ultimately, it’s a total theatre experience played by one man,” he explained.
The play engages with ongoing conversations around masculinity and societal expectations placed on men. According to Shola, the story reflects the pressures men face while trying to meet those expectations.
“We live in a world where men are required to shoulder responsibilities without complaint. But what happens when those responsibilities become too much to handle?” he said. “It’s timely because it explores the struggles of a man trying to balance life, getting a job, finding love, and building a future. Because if you complain, what you get is: ‘And you call yourself a man?’”
Supporting cast member Ezekiel Abayomi also spoke about the social expectations attached to masculinity, noting that many men grow up with the assumption that they must have everything figured out.
“People often say that from the moment a doctor confirms at birth that you’re a boy, life is already leading you 1–0 down,” Abayomi said. “There are unspoken expectations that men must be strong, capable, and financially stable.”
He added that the play reflects the realities faced by many ordinary men navigating personal and economic pressures.
“This play reflects the struggles and vulnerability of the average man. It highlights the emotional and financial pressures many men face while trying to find their footing and succeed despite limited opportunities and constant expectations,” he said.
For Shola, one of the most compelling aspects of And You Call Yourself A Man is how the story captures the everyday experiences of men while keeping audiences engaged through its narrative twists.
Written by Brooks Eti-Inyene and directed by Duntoye Emmanuel, also known as Asanlu, And You Call Yourself A Man explores themes of masculinity, self-discovery, and human vulnerability.
The stage production is scheduled to make its two-part Lagos debut on May 28, 2026.