Tiata Fahodzi

Productions

Iya-Ile



Nominated for a 2010 Olivier Award: Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre (Soho Theatre)

Co-production with and presented at Soho Theatre, London

14 May - 20 June 2009

‘… the writing, satirical yet sympathetic, brutal yet beautifully observed… a scope and vitality all too rare to see.’ **** The Times

It’s 1989 in Lagos. Political hysteria and social change are sweeping Nigeria. Chief Adeyemi’s wife Toyin is turning 40 and, behind the mansion walls, the household is preparing for her party. But there are other distractions. Their troublesome sons, returning from college, are more interested in seduction and starting revolutions than their parents’ disintegrating marriage. Meanwhile, Helen, the ambitious house girl, is waiting for her chance….

‘Femi Elufowoju, jr’s production has real verve, and the cast give it everything they’ve got… terrific fun.’ **** The Guardian

An unmissable theatrical party, Iya-Ile is the long-awaited prequel to the hugely successful The Estate, which is currently being adapted for film. A vibrant mix of comedy, political satire and family intrigue, Iya-Ile is packed with witty dialogue and the wonderful music of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, and Sunny Ade.

‘neat gags and an abundance of physical humour greasing the underlying political message’ **** whatsonstage.com

‘Femi Elufowoju, jr’s production for his Tiata Fahodzi company is fluid and pacy’ **** Financial Times

Oladipo Agboluaje’s most recent plays include The Christ of Coldharbour Lane and the five-star hit The Hounding of David Oluwale. Tiata Fahodzi were last at Soho with the sell-out hit Joe Guy in 2007.

Cast
Lomi Pakimi Javone Prince
Chief Olanrewaju Adeyemi Jude Akuwudike
Mrs Toyin Adeyemi Antonia Okonma
Archibishop Billy Robertson, KK Folarin, Soldier Chucky Venn
Afolabi Nick Oshikanlu
Mrs Okomile, Onijuju March Oni
Soji Adeyemi Tobi Bakare
Yinka Adeyemi Babatundé Aléshé
Helen Estella Daniels
Creative Team
Writer Oladipo Agboluaje
Director / Choreographer Femi Elufowoju, jr
Designer ULTZ
Lighting Designer Trevor Wallace
Costume Designer Moji Bamtefa
Soundscape Designer Simon McCorry
Fight Director Tom Lucy
Choral Consultant Ayo-Dele Edwards
Assistant to the Director Kolawole Oluwole
Assistant to the Designer Milja Amita Kilumanga
Casting Nadine Rennie
Production Manager Matt Noddings
Company Stage Manager Louise Green
Deputy Stage Manager Francesca Finney
Assistant Stage Manager Samantha Tooby / Alexandra Riverol-Elliott
Technical Manager Nick Blount
Photographer Hugo Glendinning
Set Builders Factory Settings Ltd
Stage Management Placement Michelle Gilmore