Francis Duru, Monalisa Chinda to star as stripper-inspired ‘Philomena’ goes on stage in Abuja

Francis Duru and Monalisa Chinda are to star in the Abuja run of a stage play titled ‘Philomena’.

Chinda, the show’s executive producer, disclosed this in a statement sent to TheCable Lifestyle on Tuesday.

The producers of the play also revealed that the show will kick off on July 22 through to July 24.

It is understood that a variety show is scheduled for the latter date at the NAF Conference Centre in Kado.

‘Philomena’ also enlists performers including Ejike Asiegbu, Don Kester Oshioraeme, and Tammy Abusi.

It is produced by Chinda, Zack Iniyedo, Bimbo Manuel and Rekiya Ibrahim Attah.

It is about the experiences of three characters — a failed journalist, a retired prostitute, and a frustrated teacher.

They share their own stories of the Nigerian social, economic and cultural factors that have stagnated their lives.

‘Philomena’ was inspired by an actual interview with a stripper and is a story that was demanded to be told.

“After a groundbreaking show in Port Harcourt, we were excited and awed by the flood of requests and popular demand to bring Philomena to Abuja,” Chinda said.

“One of the best and most profound things I experienced whilst reading about Philomena, an interview with the prostitute is the wit, the satire, the lessons, the spontaneity and the serendipity behind the characters.”