After a string of successes following an eventful debut season in 2014, popular stage drama Hear Word! Naija Woman Talk True returns for another run of scintillating stage performances that promise to add colour to the festive season beside the predominant headline themes of social-cultural change, women empowerment and inclusion.
This was disclosed by the producer and director of Hear Word!, Ifeoma Fafunwa during a recent media briefing attended by some members of Hear Word! cast, sponsor, Etisalat Nigeria and advocates on women empowerment to announce the take-off of the December 2015 season of the stage play.
The stage play which comes in a collection of stories of real life accounts will hit the stage at the Muson Centre with an opening performance on December 24, 2015 and another single show the following day before showing twice on December 26 and 27, 2015.
According to Mrs. Fafunwa, Hear Word! Naija Woman Talk True speaks to issues that hold Nigerian women back from reaching their full potential.
Her words, “Nigerian women have proven to be valuable contributors to the growth of families, economy, organisations and the society at large. There are however certain cultural and traditional restrictions that hold them back from their full potential. Hear Word! brings to our consciousness the need to broaden our perspectives on these socio-cultural and political issues affecting members of the society especially the womenfolk.”
Also speaking, Specialist, High Value Events and Sponsorships, Etisalat Nigeria, Amaka Agu, said the stage play aligns with the company’s tradition of creating and supporting platforms that enable people to express themselves in whatever fields such as literarature, photographic ,theatre arts, education, music , entertainment, technology, entrepreneurship and sports.
“We believe in giving people the platforms to express themselves. We do this through different platforms that accommodate various talent groups be it innovation, music, sports, literature, photography, theatre arts, education, young entrepreneurs and any other way we can contribute to the development of the society,” she said.
In her remarks, a social advocate for women empowerment and founder Ruff’n’Tumble, Adenike Ogunlesi called for support for the empowerment of women in the country.
“It is important that we support our women to release their potentials. Nigerian women have a lot to offer and we have to burst the social myths that work against women folk. It is time to change the lot of the Nigerian woman. It is time to celebrate the potentials of Nigerian women and what she brings to the table,” she said.
‘Hear Word’ is an exhilarating piece of performance art that combines artistry, social commentary and true-life stories of inequality and transformation. The December 2015 edition of the inspiring show features Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Joke Silva, Kate Henshaw, Bimbo Akintola, Omonor Somolu, Elvina Ibru, Ufuoma McDermott, Zara Udofia-Ejoh, Lala Akindoju, Rita Edward, Debbie Ohiri and Odenike Odetola-Odeleye.
The stories are based on real life experiences that play up the numerous cultural, legislative, economic and social restrictions which limit the potentials for achievement, independence, decision-making and leadership among women. They also aim to inspire support for women and the fight against all forms of ills that affect the well-being of the society.
