Ini Edo to star in ‘Ibiom: When Doves Fly’ — stage play on culture

Ini Edo, Nigerian actress, and Ahmed Yerima, renowned and theater director, have been enlisted for ‘Ibiom: When Doves Fly’, a forthcoming stage play, billed to premiere in April.

The much-awaited project is an initiative of Anchor Insurance, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing underwriters, and Duke of Shomolu Productions (DSP).

In a statement on Monday, Augustine Osegha Ebose, managing director/chief executive of Anchor Insurance, said the project is aimed at strengthening cultural heritage and empowering the youth.

Ebose said the programme will offer a free theatre clinic for 500 youth in Akwa Ibom state during a three-day session to be facilitated by Yerima.

According to him, Yerima, who is a former director-general of the Nigerian National Theatre, will take the interested youths through the rudiments of theatre from costuming, dance, and elucidation.

Also speaking, Joseph Edgar, an investment banker, said the initiative will offer Nigerians another opportunity to leverage on the power of history as a trigger for the effective renaissance in the country.

Edgar said the play will tell a “perfect story of courage and love by examining all the ethnic groups that makeup Akwa Ibom state as well as the people of Arochukwu from the southeast region who share a historical lineage.”

The chief executive officer (CEO) of DSP added that over 25 actors and dancers will grace the stage at the Ibom Hall in Uyo, which is the venue for the event.

He disclosed that the performances will be executed under very strict COVID-19 guidelines, adding that the Ibom Hall will only take 30 percent of its usual capacity.

Edgar added that the producers have already received clearance from relevant authorities including the Akwa Ibom hospitality and tourism board.