Two months after its successful run at the Lagos Fringe Festival, “Apa (Scar)”, a powerful stage play that addresses the sensitive issue of child abuse and societal neglect, continues to resonate with audiences.
Behind the Curtain: Oteikwu Emmanuel Adah Reveals the Inspiration Behind “Apa” (Scar)
BY Fareedat Taofeeq
January 15, 2025
10:16 pm
The Nollywood Reporter sat down with the creative minds behind the production—writer and producer Oteikwu Emmanuel Adah, director Daniel Omogunloye, and cast member Albarka Asimi—to delve deeper into the inspiration, challenges, and societal impact of the play.
The Birth of “Apa”
“Apa”, which translates to “Scar” in English, was born out of personal experiences and a desire to tackle contemporary issues surrounding child abuse, trauma, and healing. The play was produced under IdomaLion Creations. In 2017, Oteikwu Emmanuel Adah, a final-year student at the University of Lagos, was approached by a friend who needed help writing a play for a church ministration. The play would deal with abuse, particularly child molestation, a topic that had gained national attention at the time.
“I agreed to help her write the play, and that play became Apa,” Adah explains. “Every word in the story is around personal experiences of different people—friends, colleagues, and family members—who had been affected by abuse, either as children or adults.”

Albarka Asimi, one of the cast members, reflected on the emotional connection she felt during rehearsals: “Apa isn’t just a script. It’s a mirror that reflects real-life struggles and untold stories. Every line was an invitation to confront trauma and also to heal.”
Despite initial setbacks, including the inability to stage the play when it was first written, Adah’s determination persisted. In 2019, he met with the late Chief Lari Williams, one of Nigeria’s doyens of theatre and film, who encouraged him to eventually share the story. Adah’s breakthrough came in 2024 when he submitted Apa to the Lagos Fringe Festival. To his surprise, the play was selected for the festival, which marked the beginning of its public journey.
A Contemporary Relevance: Rape, Abuse, and the Parent-Child Disconnect
The central theme of Apa revolves around the devastating effects of abuse and the breakdown in communication between parents and children. Through its poignant storytelling, the play highlights how societal indifference and a lack of parental attention can lead to long-lasting emotional scars.

Adah elaborates: “The story reflects how a mother’s refusal to believe her child’s claims of abuse leads to trauma, pain, and a fractured relationship. The themes of Apa are drawn from real-life stories, showing that trauma doesn’t just fade away—it shapes who we become.”
Director Daniel Omogunloye, who joined the project to bring Adah’s vision to life, underscores how Apa touches on a prevalent issue in contemporary Nigerian society—rape. “Rape stories are unfortunately too common,” he says. “But this play presents that common story in a fresh and creative way that engages the audience with its uniqueness.”
Albarka Asimi added: “I was deeply moved by the dialogue and its relevance. It forced us as actors to bring raw vulnerability to every scene, which audiences later said made the characters even more relatable.”

The Role of Dance and Music in Conveying the Message
One of the striking features of Apa is its integration of dance and music. Despite the heavy nature of the subject matter, the production uses these elements to maintain audience engagement and offer moments of relief.
“People love entertainment,” Adah notes. “While the subject is serious, we intentionally incorporated dance and music to make sure the audience stayed intrigued and entertained. It’s a delicate balance that worked.”
Omogunloye adds, “I wanted to tell the story in an unconventional way. Using dance and music allows us to present a difficult narrative without overwhelming the audience, making the play both thought-provoking and enjoyable.”
Asimi explained how these creative choices helped shape the audience’s reactions: “When a scene got too intense, the music softened the atmosphere, reminding everyone that there’s beauty even in pain.”
Challenges in Bringing Apa to Life
For the cast and crew, bringing Apa to the stage was not without challenges. From securing funding to logistical constraints, the team had to navigate several hurdles to ensure the play’s success. “Funding was a major challenge,” Adah reflects. “Although the Lagos Fringe provided a platform at an affordable rate, we still had to cover other costs like sound equipment, lighting, and artist fees.”
Omogunloye, who served as the director, recounts the challenge of managing rehearsal schedules while balancing costs. “Working within a limited budget meant we had to be creative, especially with set design. But the spirit of collaboration allowed us to work through the obstacles.”
The Impact of Lagos Fringe Festival
The Lagos Fringe Festival held from November 19-24, 2024 played a pivotal role in shaping “Apa’s” presentation. The festival provided the perfect platform for the play to gain visibility, allowing the team to perform in front of industry professionals and theater enthusiasts. “We were the youngest group at the festival, but we didn’t let that hold us back,” says Adah. “We wanted to give our best performance and ensure the audience left feeling they got value for their money.”
The team’s hard work paid off as “Apa” received widespread praise for its compelling storytelling and captivating performances.
Audience Reactions
Audience members like Nimah Adebanjo and Victor Eyike shared their thoughts on how “Apa” made an impact. “The performance was deeply engaging,” says Adebanjo. “The themes of trauma, resilience, and personal growth were powerfully portrayed. It made me reflect on how we as a society must do more to support victims and help them heal.”
Eyike, who attended the performance because of the marketing efforts and the timely theme, agrees. “The play brought to light issues that are often overlooked. It made me more conscious of the people around me and the importance of being vigilant about the signs of abuse.”
Future Plans: Expanding the Reach of Apa
Looking forward, Adah and the “Apa” team have big plans for the play’s future. “We are working on bringing the play to more stages, both in Nigeria and internationally,” he reveals. “We’re also looking for sponsorship and partnerships to help us take “Apa” to a wider audience, including university tours to create greater awareness.”
The cast and crew of “Apa” hope that the play continues to spark conversations and inspire change, especially in how society addresses abuse and healing. “Scars may shape us, but they don’t define us,” Omogunloye concludes. “The message of “Apa” is that we can rise above our scars and find healing.”
In a society where issues like rape and abuse are often brushed aside, “Apa (Scar)” stands as a necessary conversation starter. The play’s raw, authentic storytelling, coupled with its creative use of dance and music, ensures that its message is both impactful and memorable. As the play’s journey continues beyond the Lagos Fringe Festival, it is clear that “Apa” might not just be a play—it is a movement to address and heal deep societal wounds.