In a much-anticipated revival, the iconic musical theatre production, Kakadu, written and produced by the esteemed lawyer Uche Nwokedi (SAN), is set to grace the stage at MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, from December 28 to 30, 2023. A decade since its debut in 2013 at the same venue, Kakadu promises to captivate audiences once again, with a fresh cast and meticulous rehearsals initiated in early October to ensure a flawless performance.
Originally inspired by the historical Kakadu nightclub of the 1950s and 1960s, the musical delves into the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War, exploring the fractures in relationships and the resilience of the human spirit. As the fog of war lifted in the early 1970s, Kakadu’s owner returned to the nightclub scene, only to find that life had irreversibly changed. The narrative of Kakadu the Musical resonates beyond its historical roots, posing timeless questions about nation-building and the collective consciousness of Nigeria.
Nwokedi sheds light on the enduring relevance of Kakadu, stating, “The main thing is that Kakadu is an enduring production with an enduring theme.” The central query the musical poses remains ever pertinent: How does Nigeria overcome the challenges of under-development, poverty, corruption, and bad governance to build a strong and healthy nation? Nwokedi emphasises that Kakadu’s thematic concerns are not confined to a specific era but echo through the years, making it a production that transcends time.
The playwright and producer expressed his surprise at the profound impact Kakadu has had on Nigerian theatre, highlighting its continuous resonance with the nation’s current state. He reflects on the central question driving the production: “How do we build a nation?” This query, posed in the context of post-Civil War Nigeria, serves as a poignant reflection of the challenges faced by the country today.
Nwokedi reveals that even when the musical was staged in South Africa, the question of nation-building struck a chord with the audience. “That question, ‘how do we build a nation,’ resonated so well with them. That is a question that’s facing Nigeria today: how do we build a nation?” As Nigeria grapples with its own socio-political complexities, Kakadu the Musical stands as a compelling mirror reflecting the nation’s journey and encouraging introspection on the path forward.
As the curtains rise on Kakadu’s 10th-anniversary performance, audiences can expect not only a vibrant showcase of talent and storytelling but also a provocation of thought regarding the collective responsibility of building a nation that stands resilient against the storms of adversity.