How we staged 72 plays in 10 years – Duke of Shomolu

By Opara Kelechi

In a period spanning 10 years, the Duke of Shomolu Foundation (DOSF) has recorded 68 theatre productions, with four more scheduled for December.

Founded to use theatre as a medium for exploring Nigeria’s history and culture, DOSF marked its 10th anniversary with a reflection on its work over the past years, and with a focus on its future plans.

Mrs. Mofoluwake Edgar, MD/CEO, DOSF, said the organisation was established believing that theatre could provide audiences with a deeper engagement with Nigeria’s history, personalities and cultural heritage.

Former general manager/CEO of National Theatre, Prof. Sunday Ododo, described the foundation’s contribution to historical storytelling through theatre as significant. According to him, some aspects of Nigeria’s history that had faded from public attention had been brought back into conversation through dramatic productions.

Over the years, DOSF has staged plays dealing with political figures, traditional institutions, women, communities, resistance, identity, and nation-building. The productions have involved professionals from different areas of the creative and academic sectors, including actors, directors, writers, historians, academics, designers and technical crews.

Till date, nine professors have served as directors on its productions, while some productions have featured established entertainers. One of its early works, Loudwhispers by William Benson, featured comedian and actor, Alibaba in a leading role.

The Foundation has also taken some of its productions abroad, Four of them including Awo, Kashimawo, Obey and Zik have been staged at Shaw Theatre in London. The plays have provided employment and professional opportunities for people working across theatre, including performers, writers, directors, costume designers, stage managers, researchers, marketers and technical personnel.

The Foundation estimates that its activities have mobilised more than N5 billion within the theatre and wider creative economy.

As part of its anniversary activities, DOSF is working on a publication, ‘Nigerian Theatre: History, Identity, Legacy – Disruption or Revolution?’ which will feature contributions from more than 24 professors and examine the development, identity and challenges of Nigerian theatre. Another book project is planned for 2027.

The Foundation is equally considering an Initial Public Offering (IPO) of about N4 billion, subject to regulatory, financial and corporate approvals. This would be used to support expansion and production infrastructure.

With four additional productions planned for December, the Foundation’s output is expected to reach 72.

For an organisation that began with a focus on historical storytelling, its first decade has placed it within the continuing effort to preserve and reinterpret Nigeria’s history through live performance, while connecting local theatre with audiences beyond the country.