Joke Silva, Kate Henshaw, others gear up for Hear Word!

By Juliet Ebirim The theatre production of ‘Hear Word! – Naija Woman Talk True’ is set to open for its sophomore run with a special performance at the University of Lagos on April 29th, 2015. The show premieres on May 1st, 2015 at the Muson Centre and will run subsequent productions every Friday and Saturday in the month of May including satellite performances in public spaces around Lagos. Based on a collection of true life stories, the episodic Hear Word! is a poignant, joyous and emotionally charged showcase of female self-discovery and the numerous challenges facing Nigerian women. Examining social practices and beliefs that oppress, reject and limit the potential Nigerian woman, the programme successfully inspires women to move beyond barriers and realise their full potentials in order to contribute to decision making and nation building. Produced and directed by Ifeoma Fafunwa, the show which premiered last year generously serves up powerful performances from a cast of extraordinary Nigerian actresses – Joke Silva, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Kate Henshaw, Bimbo Akintola, Omonor, Elvina Ibru, Deborah Ohiri, Lala Akindoju, Zara Udofia, Rita Edward , Ufuoma McDermott and Odenike. The costumes are by the talented Ituen Basi whose designs bring classic style to the edge of modernity. Founded in 2014 by Ifeoma Fafunwa, iOpenEye is a production company aimed at showcasing the best of Nigerian performance art that challenges the status quo with a focus on empowering women and transforming society.