The Jos Repertory Theatre has announced the 14th edition of its annual Jos Festival of Theatre, which it said in a statement, will open in Jos, Plateau State on Monday, March 9, 2020 at the premises of the Alliance Francaise. The 2020 edition, of the festival which has fast become a nurturing ground for Nigerian artistes to showcase their talents and creativity through a Nigerian and international repertory, will hold under the theme “Building Connections”. The weeklong fest holding from March 9 to 14, will feature riveting plays as well as a variety of workshops for the arts community.
The classes in acting, dance, basic film production, and arts management will hold during the day with the theatrical performances taking place in the evenings. Mr Ezekiel Gomos, OFR, the CEO of Jos Business School will be leading one of the workshop streams on Artistes and Managing their Finances during the festival.
The festival’s plays will present poignant messages concerning relationships, marriage, politics, revolt, and the abuse of power over the week of performances. The workshops will include facilitators from Lagos, Kaduna and Jos.
The 2020 edition will showcase the directing skills of five directors – Kalbang Afsa-Walshak, Jumoke Alice Laka-Fasakin, Seyi Lovingkindness Babalola, Sunny Adahson and Dr Patrick-Jude Oteh. The play Wat’s Dis All About is coming in from Lagos after performances at the MUSON Festival and the Lagos Fringe Festival 2019.
Two American classics will feature in the 2020 festival – these are Edward Albee’s Who is Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and August Wilson’s Seven Guitars. These are plays that have earned their place in the history of American Theatre. Who is Afraid of Virginia Woolf? rates as one of the longest running plays on Broadway. Jerry Alagbaoso returns to the festival with his latest play Let My Husband Be, a satire on households and the machinations of extra marital affairs with a generous dose of religious expectations. Reverred Professor Femi Osofisan’s early play, A Restless Run of Locusts is on the festival playlist with its study of politics, politicians and the extent they go to win elections. Yahaya Dangana, the author of highly acclaimed, award winning The Royal Chamber is featuring in the festival with The Emir’s Secret, a story about betrayal, court secrets and abuse of power.
The festival receives ongoing support from the U.S. Mission Nigeria in addition to an array of local and international supporters such as Grand Cereals Limited, the International Performer’s Aid Trust, Jos Business School and the Czech Embassy.
The 14th Jos Festival of Theatre 2020 is marking the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Jos-based theatre outfit which has performed over 100 plays in its period of existence alongside other activities that have made the organisation relevant within the arts community.
The organisers promises that it is going to be an interesting and exciting week in Jos, Plateau State.