1 week Ago By Guardian Nigeria
In celebration of a decade of impactful storytelling, global acclaim, and advocacy, the internationally renowned stage play, ‘Hear Word!’ was staged with renewed energy and focus. For this year’s celebration, the play’s producers, iOpenEye Africa, curated a three-day, three-part festival with the theme: ‘Champions for an end to gender-based violence!’ from October 29-31, 2024. The festival held at the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) Centre, Lagos and was free admission to the 3,000 participants from universities, secondary schools and churches and members of the general public.
The event featured a cocktail of activities including stage performances of ‘Hear Word!’, panel discussions, open dialogue events, impactful fireside chats, solutions-driven break-out sessions, and an award ceremony. Supported by the Ford Foundation, the 10th Anniversary ImpactFest was geared towards engaging and igniting various stakeholders, including educators, students, religious leaders, and the public, to explore practical solutions to end gender-based violence in Nigerian communities. At the event, students from Covenant University, Babcock University, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Yabatech Pan-Atlantic University were in attendance.
Others include secondary school students from Evaron High School and Apostolic Faith Secondary School. There was also a session, which involved Christian leadership with turnout of religious leaders from Elevation, Covenant Nation, TREM, Christ Embassy, House on the Rock, Presbyterian and other ministries. The Loud Urban choir performed during each production of ‘Hear Word!’ as well as during other events at the festival.
The presence of these secondary and university students, university leaders, professors, Christian Leaders, and their congregations was curated toward having a substantial and solution-focused conversation around ending gender-based Violence in their communities, a cause that the play has championed for a decade. The three-day change-driven festival ended with an exclusive closing ceremony that had in attendance leaders and executives from different sectors including film-industry professionals, theatre practitioners, corporate executives, donors and the international community. This intimate closing ceremony was tailored towards celebrating the decade milestone, thanking supporters and audiences, and sharing iOpenEye’s focus for the next decade.
During the special event, the cast was celebrated for their effort and dedication to the cause, acknowledging their art excellence and efforts to build a safer and more equitable world. This cast and team of creatives have been instrumental to the decade-long success of the project since its inception. Special awards of recognition were given to Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Joke Silva, Omonor, Zara Udofia-Ejoh, Deborah Ohiri and Elvina Ibru.
Also recognized were Emeka Anokwuru, the late Blessing Idireri, long term production assistant Susan Udo, and long-term supporter Habiba Balogun. Awards were also given to sound outfit Harmonix, strategist Lola Akinleye, all-round supporter Tani Fafunwa and creative costumer Ituen Basi; who has relentlessly clothed the cast members for the past decade. Hear Word!, directed by Ifeoma Fafunwa, has captured audiences worldwide with its powerful performances of monologues, songs, and dance based on true-life stories that limit the safety, potential and participation of Nigerian women.
The production highlights issues such as gender inequality, sexual violence, and barriers that limit women’s access to decision-making, opportunities, and economic independence. Since its inception, Hear Word! has toured Africa, Europe, and the USA and has been seen by over 125,000 live audience members. Within Nigeria, the show has been performed in Lagos, Ibadan, Ife, Abeokuta, Nsukka, Abuja and Benin City.
The play has received local and international recognition from major Nigerian National publications, The New York Times and The Boston Globe, to mention a few. Hear Word! is the first Nigerian play to be officially curated into the Edinburgh International Festival..
