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By Chinenye Anuforo
The Duke of Shomolu Foundation (DOSF) has marked its 10th anniversary with plans to expand its theatrical productions to more continents, create additional employment opportunities and raise about N4 billion through a proposed Initial Public Offering (IPO).
The Foundation, which has produced 68 plays in the last decade, said the proposed capitalisation would support its international expansion, strengthen production infrastructure and create opportunities for Nigerian artists in the diaspora to participate in the global creative economy.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Mrs Mofoluwake Edgar, disclosed this in a statement marking the organisation’s 10th anniversary in Lagos.
She said the Foundation was established a decade ago with the vision of using theatre beyond entertainment to preserve Nigerian history, celebrate national heroes and showcase the country’s cultural heritage.
According to her, the organisation has evolved into one of Nigeria’s prolific theatre platforms, using historical and cultural productions to bring the nation’s stories to the stage.
Over the past 10 years, the Foundation has staged plays exploring political leadership, traditional institutions, women, communities, resistance, identity and nation-building.
Former General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the National Theatre, Nigeria, Prof. Sunday Ododo, described the Foundation’s contribution to historical preservation through theatre as significant.
“ The Duke of Shomolu did not just produce theatre; he rescued Nigerian history from the footnotes and returned it to the stage, where it belongs. No single playhouse in modern Nigeria has done more to tell our story to ourselves,” he said.
The Foundation has also collaborated with leading professionals in Nigeria’s creative industry, including actors, directors, playwrights, academics, historians and cultural practitioners.
It disclosed that nine professors had worked with the organisation as directors, reflecting its commitment to combining academic research with theatrical storytelling.
One of its early productions, Loudwhispers, written by William Benson, featured popular comedian and actor, Alibaba, in the lead role.
Beyond its artistic contributions, DOSF said its activities had generated employment and engagement opportunities for actors, directors, writers, designers, stage managers, costume designers, production crews, technical personnel, researchers and marketers.
The organisation estimated that its activities had contributed to mobilising more than N5 billion within the theatre and wider creative ecosystem.
On international expansion, the Foundation disclosed that it had established a presence in the United Kingdom, where it had staged four productions.
Its international engagements include productions at the Shaw Theatre in London, such as Awo, Kashimawo and Obey & Zik.
It said plans were underway to extend its theatrical activities to Europe and other continents, with the objective of promoting Nigerian stories and providing a global platform for local creative professionals.
As part of its anniversary activities, the Foundation is also compiling a book titled Nigerian Theatre: History, Identity, Legacy – Disruption or Revolution?, featuring contributions from more than 24 professors.
The publication is expected to document the evolution of Nigerian theatre, its identity, challenges, disruptions and future prospects.
Another major book project is scheduled for launch in 2027.
Edgar said the Foundation’s long-term ambition was to build a sustainable institution capable of supporting Nigerian theatre beyond individual productions.
She expressed appreciation to corporate sponsors, individual supporters, partners, patrons, actors, directors, writers, academics and audiences who had contributed to the organisation’s growth over the past decade.
With 68 plays produced and four additional productions scheduled for December 2026, the Foundation said its 10th anniversary represented not an end but the beginning of a new phase of growth.
It reiterated its commitment to preserving Nigerian history, supporting creative professionals and taking the country’s theatre industry to the international stage.
