As CONFAB Play Comes Alive this November
CONFAB Play
Yinka Olatunbosun
The political game is on in the theatre as Nwando Alayande directs the play, The CONFAB. It is a satire about Nigeria, laced with comedy beneath its witty dialogue.
The story tells of delegates from the various geo-political zones of the country who gather at the CONFAB, with the sole aim of sharing the “National Cake”.
With a 17-man cast, the CONFAB is scheduled to have two shows for each production day namely Saturday, November 17 and Sunday, November 18. Produced by Mabykay Productions, the CONFAB is a bold attempt to examine governance and polity.
Speaking on the rationale behind the production, Nwando Alayande, reiterated her commitment to using the art to procure lasting change in governance.
“The general attitude of Nigerians towards issues that affect our collective life is deeply worrisome. I was concerned about voter apathy, and the fact that people are not being held accountable.
“I am concerned about our leave-everything-to- God syndrome. I find it really funny that we like to compare ourselves with developed nations or nations that are getting things right, but we don’t want to apply the same principles in action.
“For me, drama is an imitation of life and it has a way of conveying an important fact in a subtle but entertaining way,” Nwando stated.
The cast includes Patrick Diabua as Speaker; Diana Agbede aa Madam Onoriode; Papa Sam as Terso. Others are Daniel Okezue as Mazi Obiora; Tobi Ilesanmi as Otunba Ajani; Victor Joe as Mallam Tank; Nosa as Rubbertainer and Olabanke Banjo as Chichi amongst others.
With over 10 years of professional experience as a playwright, producer and director for both radio and stage, Alayande is a three-time winner of the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) Best Radio Drama of the Year in 2009-The Failed Promise in 2014- Joys of Motherhood and 2016 – Flying Without Wings.
