By Osemudiamhen Gloria
To further consolidate its position in Edo State as the leader in the Creative Sector, the State Government, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, is organizing the second edition of Enina Theatre Festival, scheduled for Thursday, August 29th to Saturday, August 31st, 2024.
Hosted by the Edo Creative Hub, led by the pioneer Executive Director, Ms. Violet Okosun, the event is poised to be an edge-of-the-seat experience, featuring an array of captivating activities that will attract influential individuals and stakeholders from far and wide, which will further consolidate the State’s reputation as a hub for creative excellence in Nigeria.
It aligns with Governor Obaseki’s vision for Edo’s economic growth through diversification, investment promotion, and private-sector collaboration. In the Governor’s remarks at the inaugural Enina Theatre Festival in 2023, he shared insights into the State’s cultural heritage thus: “Something we have that no one else has in Nigeria is culture, the creatives. We’ve had it for centuries. When you talk about African culture, globally, I think Edo stands out.
“Today, the whole conversation globally about the repatriation of artifacts taken out of the Continent centers around the Benin Bronzes. They are symbolic of our people’s creativity, of our people’s history and culture. And now, for us, the blood that flows in the veins of those who created those beautiful pieces of artworks, those huge monuments, is the same blood that flows in us today”.
The 2023 edition showcased performances by diverse groups and troupes, alongside a series of workshops, networking opportunities, and thought-provoking conversations led by renowned experts in the field, including Norbert Young, Ossa Earliece, Don Pedro, Nosa Obaseki Agbonifo, Fadekemi Olumide-Aluko, Esther Onwuka, Israel Eboh, Ngozi Obigwe Kunuji, amongst others.
The Festival featured captivating performances, including ‘Azagidi’, ‘Mama Bendel’, ‘Yet Another Raft’, ‘Joromi’, ‘The Struggle’, ‘Waterside’, amongst others. To encourage participation and excellence, Governor Obaseki offered cash prizes of up to 2 million Naira for various categories, including Best Monologue, Best Dance, Best Costume Design, and Viewers’ Choice; providing a unique opportunity for participants to demonstrate their talents and compete for esteemed recognition.
The Enina Theatre Festival is an initiative of the Edo State Government with its inaugural edition at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in partnership with the Edo State Skills Development Agency (EdoJobs) in 2023. The groundbreaking event received supports from the German Government, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. It was further facilitated by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)-SKYE programme.
It offers a significant economic opportunity, attracting businesses and investors to the State, thus driving growth through increased investments. It also seeks to nurture creative skills, particularly in theatre, creating over 1,000 temporary jobs for young people across the 18 local government areas of Edo State.
Additionally, it will showcase the State’s rich cultural diversity, harnessing the power of culture, arts tourism, and talent, to share its unique story with the world and cement its position as a hub for creative excellence.
The Festival offers a diverse array of thrilling experiences of creativity, featuring a wide range of captivating events, including stage plays, dance performances, a vibrant carnival, art exhibitions, music, workshops, and panel discussions. Other features include a comprehensive exploration of theater production, covering playwriting, directing, acting, and technical design. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals, enhancing their knowledge and skills in the theatrical arts.
As a state with rich cultural heritage and a thriving creative hub, Edo State is pioneering a sustainable culture, arts, and tourism ecosystem, setting a benchmark for others to emulate.
