Easter Stage Play “Whispers” Stirs Emotions, Earns Praise in Lagos

LAGOS — On Easter Monday, theatre lovers gathered at Shodex Gardens, Ilupeju, for a powerful storytelling experience as the stage play “Whispers” delivered two stirring performances that left attendees deeply moved.

Produced by Alayande Stephen T. under TheatreMania Africa, the double-show event featured a matinee and a command performance, both held in the main hall of the venue.

Audiences were first welcomed by a dance routine from Black Gold Academy, followed by a spoken word performance titled “Ayan Ma Lulu Ya” by Alayande, who goes by the stage name The Sage. The poem, rooted in Yoruba culture, tackled the theme of sexual recklessness with humour and intensity.

The main performance, “Whispers”, opened with a narrative monologue from actor Tomiwa Songonuga, setting the tone for the emotionally charged tale that followed. Written by Ola Thompson-Tabi and Paul Uwagbai, who also directed the play, the story is set in the fictional village of Ayetoro. It centres on the bitter feud between two families—the Ogunreles and the Ogunbonas—which threatens to tear apart a budding romance between their children, Tunde and Bisi.

The cast delivered emotionally grounded performances, with notable appearances from Chioma as Bisi, Uwagbai Stephen as Tunde, and Helen Sosu-Ezirim as Mama Bisi. Julius Olaoluwa Oyekanmi, tech entrepreneur and CEO of Finnova Corp, took on the role of Gboro, the central antagonist who embodies deceit and manipulation. Paul Uwagbai doubled as both co-writer and Baba Bisi, while Alayande Stephen T. played Baba Tunde. Dr. Ochuko Odesa Jeff also made a memorable appearance as the Inspector.

Speaking after the show, producer Alayande described “Whispers” as a significant piece in the evolution of Nigerian theatre. “It’s a story about inherited trauma, unspoken truths, and the weight of unresolved family conflict,” he said, hinting at future stage projects ahead of the TheatreMania Africa Festival in October.

The production was further elevated by its minimalist set design, carefully timed musical transitions, and creative use of freeze-frame tableaux, all of which deepened the play’s emotional effect. From humour to heartbreak, the story touched on themes of forgiveness, generational conflict, and the ripple effects of silence and miscommunication.

The performance drew a wide range of attendees, including media executives, business leaders, and creatives such as Showbiz Africa’s Tosin Ajirire, EMCOAN President Adeniji Omirin, and director Femi Idowu, among others.

“Whispers” was presented in collaboration with Shodex Gardens and Nkan Media, with support from Finnova Corp (QUIDBOT), Platos, The Street University Project, and several media partners.