Fàdákà Theatre Productions is set to premiere its latest original stage play, Daughters of the Dance, in partnership with Alliance Française de Lagos. The highly anticipated production will debut at the Mike Adenuga Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos, on May 17, before continuing its tour to Ibadan for performances on May 31 and June 1, at the Wole Soyinka Theatre, University of Ibadan.
Blending storytelling, spoken word, music, movement and multi-sensory design, Daughters of the Dance is a poetic and genre-bending tribute to the legacy of African women, both legendary and unnamed. Directed by theatre director, Adedapo Treasure, the production reimagines the stories of historical heroines, such as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Amina of Zazzau, Buchi Emecheta, Queen Nzinga and more.
More than just a historical homage, the play explores urgent contemporary issues, including maternal mortality, girl-child education, sex-for-grades, female genital cutting, sex trafficking and widowhood rites, prompting critical reflection on the systemic challenges still facing women across Africa.
“I started writing Daughters of the Dance nearly a decade ago. What began as a story about overlooked women in one African movement evolved into something broader and more urgent; a work that centres African heroines, past and present, whose courage, resistance and triumphs have shaped our world,” said Treasure, the writer and director.
The play is co-produced by Olamide Adedapo-Adeniruju, who described the project as “more than theatre, it is a movement.” She added: “We want girls to see themselves in these characters, and we want society to reflect deeply on the systems that still marginalise women.”
This new production continues the tradition of bold and socially relevant storytelling championed by Fàdákà, a fast-growing creative and culture company based in Nigeria. Known for producing daring and transformative works across theatre, film, radio, education and cultural festivals, Fàdákà has staged acclaimed productions such as The Wizard of Law, The Engagement, Sankara, and Red is the Freedom Road, engaging audiences with its artistic rigour and commitment to cultural and political relevance.
The Lagos premiere is proudly supported by Alliance Française de Lagos, a key hub for intercultural exchange and contemporary creativity in Nigeria. As part of a global network that promotes the French language and fosters dialogue through the arts, education and culture, Alliance Française de Lagos remains committed to spotlighting bold homegrown narratives. “When we received the proposal for Daughters of the Dance, it immediately resonated with our mission to support powerful artistic storytelling. We are excited to offer our space for this groundbreaking work that contributes meaningfully to cultural expression and gender discourse in Nigeria,” said Ladunni Lambo, Cultural Coordinator at Alliance Française de Lagos.
The event is expected to attract a diverse audience, including students, creatives, gender advocates, cultural influencers and the general public. In addition to the performances, community engagements and talkback sessions are planned to spark broader conversations around gender, representation and identity.