In the dynamic world of contemporary theatre, Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo stands out as a visionary whose creativity has redefined the Nigerian stage. A graduate of theatre arts, she seamlessly blends traditional African storytelling with modern sensibilities, crafting performances that captivate both emotionally and intellectually. Drawing inspiration from renowned African playwrights, Dr. Gbadebo uses theatre as a platform to celebrate overlooked African brilliance, breaking boundaries with her innovative directing, acting, and producing.
A new play, The Jewel explores into the complexities of human connection in a fragmented world, with Dr. Gbadebo bringing her extensive expertise as co-director. Her signature approach promises a rich, immersive experience that transcends the ordinary. Critics and theatre enthusiasts eagerly anticipate this transformative piece, knowing her work is more than a performance—it’s a journey. As she continues to push artistic boundaries, Dr. Gbadebo’s vision is set to inspire a new generation of theatre makers and audiences.
In this interview, she bares her soul and some more as she takes us on a thrilling journey.
Help us understand Theatre from your perspective. Why this much passion for it?
Theatre is my greatest love—both as a career and as a passion. The business of theatre and the performing arts is something I care deeply about. From my youth, and even now with so much youthfulness still in me, I’ve always aspired to be a theatre artist. I overcame numerous obstacles to pursue this dream, including turning down an admission offer to study Mass Communication at the University of Lagos in favour of theatre and performing arts. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for that decision because passion was, and still is, my driving force. When passion fuels your pursuit, you pour your entire being into it, excelling not just through effort but through the joy, happiness, and fulfillment it brings. Your dreams become a race worth running, a goal you must achieve, because passion makes it irresistible.
If you ask me to tell you about my love for theatre, I cannot over-emphasise how fulfilling and satisfactory it is for me every time I achieve anything that takes me a step further to ensuring that Nigeria fully utilizes all the talent that exists within its vibrant population. Many young people aspire to be famous, as evidenced by the booming music and film industries. However, thespians and theatre artists often lose their way, gravitating towards movies, music, or social media influencing, largely because there isn’t a purpose-built platform to nurture theatrical talent.
The future, if you ask me, lies in creating such platforms. One day, a visionary philanthropist with the financial capacity and foresight will invest in theatre, recognizing its vast potential. It’s a broad industry with numerous specializations, capable of engaging countless creative minds and lifting them off the streets. For me, that is the goal—a safe haven where talent can be nurtured. Despite the challenges, my dream, vision, and passion for theatre have never wavered.
Can you share your journey into theatre and your early experiences?
I studied theatre and performing arts at the University of Lagos, and throughout my four years there, I was deeply involved in plays—writing, directing, and producing. Back then, my dream was to transition from the UNILAG Auditorium to more prestigious venues like the MUSON Centre, which was new at the time and represented a professional space where audiences would pay to watch quality productions. There was also the Agip Recital Hall which was the closest thing to staging a proper play in a space where you have people who would spend money to actually pay to watch those plays.
Of course, there was also the National Theatre, which holds a special place in my heart. I’m thrilled about the restoration efforts by the Bankers Committee, and I hope they have prioritized creating purpose-built spaces with revolving stages and multi-dimensional theatre designs. Producers like Mrs. Austen Peters deserve kudos for investing in the culture, providing spaces where thespians can thrive, even though these venues aren’t purpose-built for theatre and often lack the capacity to fully showcase creativity.
How do you see the current state of theatre in Nigeria compared to other parts of the world?
Globally, purpose-built spaces like those on Broadway allow plays to run for decades, drawing audiences willing to pay premium prices. On the African continent, we’re not short of storytelling talent. Look at the movie industry—there’s deliberate investment in epic stories, cinematography, set design, and casting. The results are evident in the high-quality productions coming out of Nigeria.
This level of investment is what the theatre industry needs. While our storytelling is powerful, we lack the infrastructure and resources that could elevate Nigerian theatre to its rightful place on the global stage. However, with deliberate focus and investment, the potential is limitless.
What role does Eko Hotel play in promoting theatre, and what are your future plans?
Eko Hotel is a force to reckon with in this regard. We have the platform, the audience, and, most importantly, the talent in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. As a hospitality concern, we are making significant investments in reviving theatre. By 2025, our plan is to scale up productions and ensure that the amazing plays presented during the festive season continue throughout the year, at least four times annually. I’m incredibly grateful to the management for their bold vision. They see beyond profits and focus on nurturing talent, boosting Nigerian tourism, and placing us firmly on the global map. Nigeria’s younger generation is unstoppable, and this is the perfect time to create a legacy—a platform for them to express themselves and turn their passion into a sustainable livelihood.
What inspired the play, The Jewel?
The Jewel is a play heavily inspired by Ola Rotimi’s Our Husbands Have Gone Mad Again and Wole Soyinka’s The Lion and the Jewel. These are literary classics that many people are familiar with, having studied them in school. If you examine the trend of plays on Broadway, you’ll notice that old stories are often reenacted and transformed into musicals, making them creatively spectacular and engaging without losing their core essence.
Both of these works have powerful storytelling at their heart. The Lion and the Jewel in particular stands out for its satirical approach, which critiques and radicalizes societal norms. For me, theatre is about storytelling – it is a form of documentary, capturing the essence of our past and offering a glimpse into the future. When two internationally renowned playwrights inspire a piece, you know the foundation is a compelling and thought-provoking narrative.
What themes are explored in The Jewel, and how are they relevant today?
At its core, The Jewel explores love, societal dynamics, and the interplay of different societal elements that often create chaos, which ultimately resolves into a meaningful storyline. These are themes that resonate deeply, especially in African societies.
For instance, The Lion and the Jewel tells the story of Sidi, the village belle, and the men who vie for her heart. Isn’t that a narrative that mirrors today’s society? Young women, admired for their beauty and vibrancy, often become the centre of attention, with men of all ages competing for their affection.
This dynamic reflects how societal values persist across time. By retelling such stories, theatre provides a unique lens through which we can document and analyze human behaviours, relationships, and cultural evolution. It allows us to see ourselves – our joys, struggles, and triumphs – through a creative and thought-provoking medium.
Why do you believe theatre is crucial for preserving cultural narratives?
Theatre is an essential tool for documenting history and culture. For example, many of today’s children might struggle to recount the time of slavery because there aren’t enough accessible narratives documenting it. Theatre can fill that gap. It encapsulates the diversity, oneness, love, hate, joys, and struggles of society, creating a rich outlook of our collective identity. In telling stories like those found in The Lion and the Jewel, theatre becomes a mirror reflecting the intricacies of human relationships and societal norms. It’s not just entertainment; it’s an archive of how Africans live, love, and navigate the complexities of life.
What makes the theatrical presentation of The Jewel unique?
The beauty of The Jewel doesn’t lie solely in its storyline – although it is a simple yet powerful tale – it’s in the way the story is brought to life on stage. The live performances by brilliant actors and actresses, coupled with the vision of creative directors and producers, elevate the narrative to something extraordinary. These creatives possess a way of thinking that goes beyond the ordinary, crafting a theatrical experience that is immersive and awe-inspiring. Theatre, in this context, becomes more than just storytelling; it’s an art form that combines talent, creativity, and passion to create a spectacle that leaves a lasting impression.
What goes into creating a play like The Jewel?
Creating a play like The Jewel involves an incredible fusion of elements that come together to form a masterpiece. From sound and music to costumes, makeup, lights, sets, staging, production, and rehearsals – every detail is meticulously planned and executed. The process is intense, involving hours spent reading scripts, rehearsing lines, and ensuring that every component aligns seamlessly.
All of that effort culminates in a beautiful piece of art – a theatrical performance where, for an hour or an hour and thirty minutes, the audience experiences pure, unfiltered talent. It’s the finest form of art, blending musical prowess with the skill to embody and deliver a character that feels real, even when it’s not.
What makes The Jewel stand out as a production?
The Jewel isn’t just a play—it’s a musical adaptation inspired by two renowned works by internationally acclaimed playwrights. What sets it apart is its futuristic setting. The production reimagines Nigerian and African society in the future, offering audiences a glimpse into what lies ahead while staying rooted in rich cultural narratives.
This visionary approach draws inspiration from works like the animated Iwájú from Disney, which tells a uniquely Nigerian story. Now imagine that level of creativity adapted into a live musical production. It’s an extraordinary way of blending the traditional with the futuristic, creating something both innovative and deeply resonant.
Why is live theatre such a unique and challenging art form?
Live theatre demands a level of precision, intentionality, and creativity that is unmatched. Unlike film, where you can rely on “cut, camera, action” and multiple takes, theatre is raw and immediate. Life is the stage, and as actors, we have one chance to embody a character fully and convey their emotions through every blink, movement, dance, and expression. This makes theatre a far more challenging medium. It requires the audience to believe and feel the depth of every moment in real time. The emotional connection created in a live performance is unparalleled, and it is why theatre, especially productions like The Jewel, remains such a powerful form of storytelling.
What is the significance of investing in theatre in Nigeria?
Investing in theatre is crucial for the future of Nigerian and African storytelling. Just as Nigerian movies have gained global recognition, theatre has the potential to take its place on the world stage. Productions like The Jewel are paving the way by showcasing authentic Nigerian stories through innovative adaptations and live performances. Theatre doesn’t just entertain – it nurtures talent, preserves culture, and provides a platform for creative expression. It’s essential to support both the artistic and business sides of theatre because they go hand-in-hand. Investing in people who understand the business of theatre ensures its sustainability and growth.
What role did vision and ambition play in bringing The Jewel to life?
The creation of The Jewel is a testament to the power of dreaming big and daring to achieve the seemingly impossible. The vision for this play stemmed from a desire to elevate Nigerian theatre to new heights, showcasing what Africans of the future might look like through a compelling narrative.
I must give kudos to my chairman, whose visionary leadership inspired this project. He believed in dreaming big and pushing boundaries, which is exactly what The Jewel represents. It’s thrilling to see something that once seemed impossible come to life, and even more thrilling is the thought of the audience experiencing it.
What should audiences expect from The Jewel and future productions?
Audiences should prepare for an unforgettable experience. The Jewel is not just a play—it’s a movement, a dream brought to life. It’s one of the productions in our Tropical Christmas series, and it’s just the beginning. Moving forward, Eko Hotels and Suites is committed to producing plays that captivate audiences and elevate Nigerian theatre. So, I’ll say this: don’t thank us in advance. Watch The Jewel, and then you can thank us after you’ve experienced the brilliance. Trust me, once you’ve seen it, you’ll want to be in the audience for every other production we bring to life.
How do you bring the characters and ensemble together for a production like The Jewel?
Bringing the ensemble together is no small task. It starts with sourcing talent and matching them to roles that bring out the best in their abilities. To be honest, I’m not overly keen on using big names in theatre, especially because many of those who truly understand the art of theatre have moved to film. While someone with a theatre background can easily transition into movies, the reverse – moving from movies to the stage – is much harder.
Stage performance demands a unique skill set. It’s a different discipline, requiring a pure, grounded approach to understanding scripts, characters, and live delivery. This is why we focus on nurturing a community of thespians and theatre artists who are deeply rooted in performing arts.
Is it challenging to find talent for live theatre in Nigeria?
Yes, it’s definitely challenging. Nigeria is somewhat starved for the kind of talent that excels in live theatre. Many skilled theatre practitioners transitioned to film because there wasn’t a sustainable platform for them to grow in the theatre space. As a result, finding actors who can effectively deliver on stage requires extra effort. It’s not just about acting; it’s about truly understanding the nuances of live performance. Thankfully, I work with an amazing team to overcome these challenges.
What makes your team unique?
My team is formidable, and I’ll unapologetically blow our trumpet because we deserve it. Personally, I bring a holistic understanding of theatre, from the academic and production sides to the financing side. This gives me a well-rounded approach to promoting theatre and the performing arts. However, man is not an island, and collaboration is key. One of my closest collaborators is Iso Willke, an exceptional director and my right-hand man. Iso is phenomenal – his imagination is technical, broad, and, quite frankly, extraordinary.
How does Iso Willke contribute to your productions?
Iso brings an unparalleled vision to the table. His imagination goes beyond ordinary, which is crucial because theatre itself is extraordinary. His technical expertise and creative breadth are invaluable in driving the vision of each production. One of his standout qualities is his temperament, which is perfect for the demands of theatre. While I might lose my cool during intense moments, Iso remains calm and grounded, balancing out my energy. This dynamic makes us an excellent team.
Why is nurturing theatre talent so important to you?
Theatre is a demanding art form, and it’s crucial to work with people who genuinely understand its essence. Building a community of thespians who are grounded in theatre ensures that the art remains pure and impactful. Producing theatre requires a collective effort from people who share a passion for storytelling and a commitment to excellence. By focusing on nurturing talent, we’re not just creating individual productions; we’re building a foundation for the future of live theatre in Nigeria.
How does your team manage to bring together all the elements of theatre production so seamlessly?
We have a way of making it all come together, and that’s thanks to an extraordinary team of professionals in every aspect of theatre production. My right-hand man, Iso, is a brilliant and imaginative director who brings technical expertise and a creative spark to every project. We also have exceptional music directors like Ayo and Ladi, who are not just music producers but also academics in their field. They write music notes, play instruments across genres, and bring a holistic understanding of music to our productions. Then there’s our costuming team, makeup artists, and other specialists. For example, our costumer has the unique ability to transform characters from spectacular to mundane seamlessly, ensuring every change between scenes feels natural and believable.
Who are some of the key crew members behind the scenes?
Our team includes an excellent Production Manager, Annie, and a remarkable Stage Manager, Oramah. Oramah is a calming factor amidst the chaos, ensuring every aspect of stage and crew management runs smoothly. These roles are critical to the success of a production because they ensure no detail is overlooked, from stage logistics to crew coordination.
What can you tell us about the cast for The Jewel?
The cast for The Jewel is extraordinary, featuring brilliant stage actors and actresses with phenomenal vocals. Performers like David Azikal, Flora Spackle, Ahindi, Yourdora, Leo, and Oscar deliver mind-boggling, nerve-wracking, and chilling vocal performances. Their ability to embody characters and create magic on stage is truly unmatched. I won’t reveal their stage names here—you’ll have to watch The Jewel to discover their brilliance for yourself.
What kind of conversations do you hope audiences will have after watching your shows?
We aim for audiences to leave our shows, like A Tropical Christmas Wonderland, with conversations that linger long after the curtain falls. The talkability isn’t limited to the theatre element alone. This production, for instance, is a melting pot of diverse styles, from circus acts to two theatre shows: The Jewel and the sequel to Pride Land: The Reign of Queen Pharah. These plays are packed with awe-inspiring moments that will leave audiences amazed. Our goal is to attract more people to this genre of performances and build a stronger community of theatre lovers.
What sets theatregoers apart as an audience?
Theatregoers have a unique appreciation for the intricacies involved in live performances. This community understands the high standards and exposure required to truly enjoy theatrical productions. It’s not just entertainment – it’s an art form they deeply value. After watching these plays, I believe more people will join this community, experiencing something truly transformative.
How does this year’s production compare to last year’s?
Last year’s production was spectacular, even though we called it “basic.” This year, we’ve raised the bar tenfold. What audiences can expect is nothing short of magic. The improvements and innovations we’ve made will leave audiences amazed, and I’m excited for the conversations and connections that will spiral out of this year’s performances.
