The Production
Originally produced as a full scale production in Nigeria in 2013 and subsequently workshop produced in 2015 for the UK stage at the Theatre Royal Stratford East, this music theatre adaptation by Rotimi Babatunde of one of Africa’s most popular contemporary novels written by Lola Shoneyin was given its British premiere in 2018 at the ground-breaking Arcola theatre.
The scandalous new play featuring original contemporary live Yoruba music, songs and dance was the company’s first major production in the UK.
Creative Team, London 2018
Author Lola Shoneyin
Script Adaptor Rotimi Babatunde
Director and Music Director Femi Elufowoju jr
Choral Arranger Ayo-Dele Edwards
Designer ULTZ
Choreographer Kemi Durosinmi
Lighting Designer Ryan Joseph Stafford
Costume Supervisor Shola Ajayi
Deputy Stage Manager Christie DuBois
Assistant Stage Manager Becca Mitchell
Production Manager Ben Karakashian
Original Composer and Music Director Oyebade Dosunmu
Original Choreographer Uche Onah
Cast, London 2018
Layo-Christina Akinlude Iya Femi
Ayan De First Tunde
Marcy Dolapo Oni Bolanle
Ayo-Dele Edwards Mama Bolanle
Jumoké Fashola Iya Segi
Usifu Jalloh Taju
Patrice Naiambana Baba Segi
Tania Nwachukwu Segi
Christina Oshunniyi Iya Tope
Diana Yekinni Nurse
All cast members also performed as Ensemble
Cast, Lagos 2018
Presented as part of the Ake Arts and Book Festival, Lagos, Nigeria October 2018
Martins Iwuagwu
Mawuyon Ogun
Omonorr Somolu
Christina Oshunniyi (UK)
Uzor Osimkpa
Uche Chika Elumelu
Toritseju Ejoh
Joshua Akinola
Rita Edward
Ayo-Dele Edwards (UK)
Anthony Offiong
Julius Obende
Habeeb ‘Awoko’ Ayodeji
Blessing Kacoman Idireri
Director Femi Elufowoju jr
Choreographer Uche Onah
Choral Consultant Deborah Ohiri
Cast, R&D London 2015
Abridged Workshop Presentation, Theatre Royal Stratford East, December 2015
Antonia Okonma
Ayo-Dele Edwards
Joseph Adelakun
Marcy Dolapo Oni
Olufunmilola Opeyemi
Patrice Naiambana
Richard Babatunde Baker
Tito Fagbenle
Yetunde Oduwole
Sola Akingbola
Director Femi Elufowoju jr
Cast, Abeokuta 2013
Original Production, Ake Arts and Book Festival, Abeokuta, Nigeria, November 2013
Martins Iwuagwe
Priye George
Rita Edward
Najite Dede
Uzor Osimkpa
Gabriel Ojini
Sola Onayiga
Joshua Akinola
Segun Dada
Osita Uzowuru
Habeeb Ayodeji
Adesua Etomi
Diana Yeninni
Deborah Ohiri
Chineme Prince
Awele Dekpe
Lanre Adesoye
Ayanfemi Opebiyi
Produced by Jols & Joms in association with Elufowoju Jr Ensemble
Director Femi Elufowoju jr
Plot & Themes
Our story is set in Nigeria and involves an ambitious polygamous husband (Baba Segi), his four wives, an extraordinary household of servants and beguiling children. The tale is seen as a commentary on the sanctity of marriage, in which the bewildering lifestyle of the central character (a prosperous middle-aged man of robust appetites, the patriarch of a large household) leads to an unexpected, devastating consequence. It is a stirring tale of men and women, mothers and children, servitude and independence, The play sought to illuminate the common threads that connect the experiences of all women: the hardships they bear, their struggle to define themselves, and their fierce desire to protect those they love.
The production’s multiple themes prevalent in Nigeria include status of women, slave labour, power, allegiance, education, gender equality, ambition, murder, tolerance and understanding. The Nigerian setting served as a microcosm of contemporary Britain as well as the world at large.
Reviews
The Guardian ★★★★★
The Evening Standard ★★★★
WhatsOnStage ★★★★
The Stage ★★★★
“★★★★★ An unwavering spirit of playfulness that stands out above all else in this splendid production”
—London Student
“★★★★★ There is a sense of joy and playfulness to the whole production … well-crafted, well-executed by a strong cast, and not to be missed”
—Spy In The Stalls
“★★★★★ This is going to be one of the plays of the summer – hot, hot, hot”
—IThankYouTheatre
“★★★★½ Belly-achingly funny … This is theatre with a difference, with a spirit, which will open your eyes and worldview.”
—Theatre Box
“★★★★ Joyous and enchanting … from the moment the play starts it’s completely captivating”
—Love London Love Culture
“★★★★ An emotional and jubilant production”
—Afridiziak
“★★★★ With remarkable direction by Elufowoju Jr, the performances are excellent … an exceptionally entertaining, funny, compelling and thought-provoking piece”
—The Upcoming
“★★★★ Clever storytelling … with music, a lively cast and a few simple props the story of Baba Segi and his four wives in modern Nigeria is taken apart, dissected and explored. ”
—Londonist
“An example of artistic diversity that’s much more than skin deep.”
—Exeunt
Legacy
In 2019 a new dramatisation of The Secret Lives of Babi Segi’s Wives was created by Elufowoju jr for BBC Radio Drama. It was subsequently broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in November of the same year.
In 2020, Netflix announced a major partnership with Nigerian television and film producer Mo Abudu in which her production company Ebony Life will spearhead the on-screen adaptation of Lola Shoneyin’s best-selling debut novel, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives.