The Watchman Awareness Night
In anticipation of the Watchman play produced by CWC happening on the 22nd of March at the Babcock University Amphitheatre, we attended the awareness program hoping to talk to not just the actors, but the audience - who are the sole reason CWC exists.
CWC is turning ten, and they're not celebrating quietly. The Watchman — their biggest production yet, dives headfirst into Nigerian politics, corruption, and the kind of family secrets that never stay buried. Before the curtain rises on March 22nd at the Amphitheatre, we've sat down with the cast to find out who they are, who they're playing, and why you just cannot afford to miss this one.
Now to the makers and shakers - the main cast members, my questions were simply:
What is your name and what character are you playing?
My name is Adebayo Feranmi and I am playing the role of Chief Bamigboye - he is a corrupt politician.
My name is Alaba Rachel and I play Zainab. I also have the role of stage director for CWC.
My name is Akindele Oyinlola and I play Madame Cynthia - a former sex worker who currently runs a brothel.
My name is Utomi Emeka and I play Akin - a 28-year-old ‘I just got back’ (IJGB) journalist.
My name is Adeniyi Folawemi and I play the character of Chief Bello - an aura farmer who has the veto power to stop anything.
My name is Ejike Jordan and I play the role of Sunday. He is in one word, a leech.
In what ways are you similar to your character?
Feranmi: To an extent my character is very popular and passionate about what he does. He is excited about being a corrupt politician.
Rachel: My character is a confident person, and people can attest to that - she unarguably knows her worth and in those ways we align.
Oyinlola: We are both flirty and like to be in control.
Emeka: We are very principled, self-confident, and exhibit integrity.
Folawemi: I don't think I have the aura my character easily embodies, I am a free-minded person and although I love money, it is without the obsession.
Jordan: We are very lazy.
What lessons has your character taught you?
Feranmi: Family matters most. No matter how hard it gets, never give up.
Rachel: I have learnt selfish pride from my character.
Oyinlola: She has taught me that people never change and sometimes the lives people have are not by choice.
Emeka: To always fight for justice.
Folawemi: To never focus on power in the way that it consumes me and to sacrifice everything I hold dear like family.
Jordan: Hard work eventually pays off.
Why should we watch the play?
Feranmi: Firstly, I am in it, and on a more serious note, it is one for the screens - even if it is on stage.
Rachel: It gives an insight into how politics can be, and the victimization of citizens through politics, from 1970 to the present.
Oyinlola: It is different, CWC is turning 10 and we are exploring politics as a rich genre, we promise intrigue and lessons you must learn.
Emeka: This play gives insights into bad governance and exposes corruption.
Folawemi: We have a lot in store, if you miss one thing you miss the plot. Be there.
Jordan: It is a phenomenal play and there are so many lessons to be learnt.
What do you have to say to students interested in joining CWC?
Feranmi: If you have a passion for it, go for it. There are bigger stages ahead. I have been in CWC for three years and I love it.
Rachel: Don't be afraid, you don't need to know how to act. It gives you a creative space for not just acting, writing, dancing and so many more.
Oyinlola: You're welcome, CWC is a place to grow and improve your creativity.
Emeka: Be confident, kill that social anxiety because it brings out the best in people, just like it did in me.
Folawemi: CWC is the right place to show your talents and develop them. CWC connects you to theatres beyond Babcock.
Jordan: Stay in the spotlight, don't hide your talent.
We also spoke to audience members coming to see the Watchman and it went like this;
What is your name and are you coming to watch the play?
My name is David Uma Ikechukwu, and I am coming to watch the play.
My name is Naomi Fadare, and I will be there.
My name is David Ofoh, and I am coming to watch the play.
My name is Nnsi Chioma Janet, and I will be watching the play.
What is the best CWC play you have seen so far and why?
David Uma: Pablo and Pablet because of the comedic relief.
David Ofoh: I have not seen a play before this.
Naomi: I have not seen one before.
Nnsi Chioma: Pablo and Pablet; and Uncle Ben's wedding. In those two, the characters were dedicated and you could see the devotion to their roles - it was very relatable.
Whose performance are you looking forward to?
David Uma: I am looking forward to watching Feranmi because I find his character particularly interesting.
David Ofoh: I am looking forward to Vanessa's performance. The cultural dance is a sight to behold.
Naomi: Tumi, she is a dancer and my roommate.
Nnsi Chioma: I am looking forward to Oyin and Rachel, who are both main characters during the play and my friends, and I believe they will bring the accurate spice to the play - as they have a natural flair for acting.
What are your expectations for the Watchman?
David Uma: I just hope to enjoy it, knowing it is going to be CWC's biggest play yet.
David Ofoh: Here for the good vibes and dancing.
Naomi: I don't have any expectations, but I hope to be entertained.
Nnsi Chioma: I hope it's jovial and does better than their previous plays.
The awareness was not just characterized by music from the stereo, but proper Fuji music and dancing with performances from Femi, Playboy, and others. Do not miss the Watchman on the 22nd of March at the Amphitheatre.