The musical production, '1960', was written and directed by Oluwadamilare Ojo and production managed by Omolola Sophie. It was staged at Lagos Theatre, Igando, on October 1. The production attempts to put Nigeria's history on stage, moving from colonial rule and independence into some of the defining political and cultural moments that followed.
The production references significant historical events, including the Berlin Conference, Lord Lugard’s administration, the Aba Women’s Riot, independence, military rule, the Fela Kuti era, and the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. Ojo approaches these moments through music, dance, movement, projections, and dramatic scenes, creating a theatrical collage of Nigerian memory.
The production's ambition is both its greatest strength and occasionally its weakness. With several actors playing multiple characters, it can become difficult to immediately understand who is who. However, Ojo and Assistant Director Bukky Tijani deserve credit for maintaining a strong sense of order across the large and constantly shifting production.
The acting is the strongest aspect of '1960'. The portrayal of MKO Abiola is particularly compelling during the sequence surrounding the annulment of the June 12 election and his eventual arrest. The cast demonstrates admirable versatility, moving between political figures, soldiers, civilians, dancers, and ensemble roles.
Not every performance is equally controlled, with some comic acting being pushed too far and becoming distracting rather than amusing. The music itself is one of the production's major pleasures, with Ojo giving '1960' a distinct musical identity. However, there are moments when the production's enthusiasm for spectacle overwhelms clarity.
Technically, '1960' is less assured, with lighting cues occasionally exposing scene changes and transitions taking too long. Despite these lapses, the production's technical shortcomings do not erase what its directing team achieves. Ojo and Tijani manage a demanding ensemble with considerable confidence.
'1960' does not offer a simple patriotic celebration, nor does it surrender to despair. Instead, it presents Nigeria as unfinished, shaped by historical wounds, political failures, cultural memory, and an enduring capacity to imagine something better. The production's ambition is difficult to dismiss, and its achievement may be that it remains recognisably one piece of theatre rather than a collection of disconnected historical scenes.
Key points
- The musical production '1960' attempts to put Nigeria's history on stage, covering events from colonial rule to the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
- The production's strength lies in its acting, with a compelling portrayal of MKO Abiola and admirable versatility from the cast.
- Despite technical shortcomings, the production's ambition and achievement are difficult to dismiss, presenting Nigeria as unfinished and shaped by its history.
