A Return of A Dramatic Masterpiece

Yinka Olatunbosun

History was rehashed last Sunday at the Glover Memorial Hall as the theatre audience gathered to enjoy the command performance of the 2024 production of the classic play The King Must Dance Naked written by Fred Agbeyegbe. 

The play, which paraded an array of seasoned actors, shows the interplay between the gods and the society. Rooted deeply into culture, tradition and leadership with its rich blend of drama, dance and music, the drama restates theatre’s role in national-building.

Directed by Toritseju Ejoh and Adebunmi Adewale, the play is produced by Soji Jacobs. Starring seasoned stage acts Gloria Young, Toyin Oshinaike, Edmond Enaibe, Albert Akaeze, Zara Udofia-Ejoh, Mike Orie, Seyi Fasuyi and more, the plot which is built on a monarchical rule resonates with the audience in a country that had been governed since independence by male presidents and leaders in key sectors of the economy.

It tells the story about the birth of Omajuwa and her twin brother, Afinotan by the Queen. Upon consultation with the gods on what the future holds for the twins, the chief priest, through the oracle, reveals that the female child is destined to succeed her father as king. The revelation is seen as a taboo that must not be allowed to happen. So, the queen, thinking she has tricked the gods, substitutes the female child with the male immediately before the sacrifice is to be performed.

Eventually, Omajuwa is crowned King in Ogbodume. Following the coronation, the land is plagued by famine, drought and diseases. The cause is attributed to the inability of the King to procreate. The cause of the King’s inability to produce an heir-apparent is not known until Mejebi appears.

His disclosure takes place when the oracle, through Afinotan, divines that the solution to the continuous suffering of the people is for the king to dance naked in the presence of the chiefs. 

A daunting storyline, many prominent actors shared their views about the play at the wrap of the performance.

Legendary actor Joke Silva described the conflict of the drama as “tension between tradition and societal change.”

As for Nollywood star, Kate Henshaw, the play touches on the subject of women’s right to rule.

“There is a lesson there about women not taking the place of men. But I think women should be allowed to rule. That’s my own opinion.”

One of the directors, Toritseju Ejoh expressed his appreciation for the pointers given by the former directors who had worked on the production.

“This play is one of the plays that the National Troupe was celebrated for in the 80s and 90s. It made cultural tours around the world, showcasing the rich culture of the Nigerian people. In directing it, I had to look at all the things that the masters had done and then picked two of them who are some of my influences. The first director of the play Papijide Jide Ogungbade. I also called on the last person who I had worked on the play with, Bayo Oduneye, who took us to London in 2012. So, I have these two ancestral spirits who inspired me.”

The producer, Adesoji Jacobs described the experience of play production as “organised chaos.”

“It involves bringing all the parts together. My role as the producer is a managerial role. You have to manage all the front and the back end as it is required. It’s chaotic but it is an amazing experience.”