Organisers of the annual Jos Festival of Theatre have announced dates for the 2019 edition: 7th – 11th May. The theme this year is Building a New Generation for the Arts.
The “Festival’s plays will present poignant messages concerning honour, family discord, politics and the abuse of power over the week of performances,” the release says, adding that it will also “showcase the directing skills of two female directors – Olajumoke Olatubosun and Kalbang Afsa-Walshak.”
Headlining the festival is Arthur Miller’s All My Sons, an American classic set in World War II and based on actual events. “It is a classic play about war, honour, pride and retribution,” the statement reads.
Also to feature during the festival is Eugene Ionesco’s The Lesson (a tragi-comedy about a Professor who lures students into his studio and kills them with the assistance of his maid), which will be performed in English by local actors.
Sefi Atta’s Death Road (directed by Patrick-Jude Oteh), “a classic tale about recruitment and radicalization within a once peaceful household whose livelihood is threatened from within by the first son of the family” will have its world premiere at the festival.”
The Nigerian lineup continues Jerry Alagbaoso’s Tony Wants To Marry. (directed by Sunny Adahson) as the Jos Repertory Theatre revives Zulu Sofola’s classic Wedlock of the Gods during the Theatre Master’s program.
Other workshops will feature facilitators from the host city, Lagos and Abuja.
The Jos Festival of Theatre is supported by the US Mission Nigeria and an array of corporate, International and local donors and supporters, including Plateau State Ministry of Information, Grand Cereals Limited, the International Performer’s Aid Trust (IPAT), and the prestigious Jos Business School.
“Over the last decade, the Jos Festival of Theatre has become a nurturing ground for Nigerian artists to showcase their talents and creativity through Nigerian and international repertory,” according to the statement, sent to The Daily Report.
In addition to plays (evenings) and a variety of workshops, the JFT “The 2019 festival will host classes in acting, dance and arts management (daytime).
