Nigerian telecommunications services provider, MTN, has through its Foundation, collaborated with Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions (BAP) to showcase the Nigerian heritage in London through arts, a stage play called ‘Saro the Musical’.
The play has its tickets sold out before the performance date. Saro the Musical has been described as Nigeria’s Biggest Broadway Theatre show, after thrilling the Nigerian audience in Lagos and other states. The play has thrilled the London audience at the Shaw Theatre, West End, where it was applauded with a standing ovation and calls were made for an encore.
https://twitter.com/bapproduction/status/902568034627452928
According to a report by ThisDay, the play kicked off on Thursday, August 24 and ran through Tuesday, August 29. It brought London to a standstill with its excellent performance which included well-choreographed dance steps and colourful costumes which displayed the unique Nigerian culture, people and tendencies.
SARO was Pure Unadulterated Entertainment & it gave an Exposé to those who sought to learn about our History, Culture&Norms. #SarotheMusical
— ℳọ́' (@Ms_Craig) August 26, 2017
According to Tobe Okigbo, the Corporate Relations Executive of MTN, the firm is out to support a positive promotion of the Nigerian culture. “With what has been done with #SaroTheMusical and the two other stage plays, ‘Wakaa!’ and ‘Kakaadu’ (showcased to international audiences and sponsored by the MTN Foundation) Nigeria can be seen as more than the most corrupt country overwhelmed with an insurgency”, he said.
https://twitter.com/bapproduction/status/901855393164513282
The executive producer and director, Mrs Austen-Peters revealed that such plays are one of the ways through which Nigeria can tell her own story, instead of accepting international judgement based on the stories told by others. She further said that this way, BAP was playing a great role in preserving and exporting Nigeria’s rich culture.
The Executive Secretary of MTN Foundation, Nonny Ugboma, said that MTN Foundation is proud to be associated with#SaroTheMusical. She disclosed that MTN is willing to take the art and culture industry of Nigeria to great heights, and is continuously looking for opportunities to support great quality productions by throwing its weight behind them.
I just finished watching #SaroTheMusical at @ShawTheatre well done @bapproduction for such an amazing show. Here's a few snaps I took! LIT! pic.twitter.com/CGMxAABgR5
— Kᗩᖇᒪ ᑎOᐯᗩ 🕶 (@KarlNova) August 28, 2017
The Play ‘Saro’ featured the veteran actor, Kunle Afolayan. Set in modern Lagos, the play is a reflection of the struggles of migrants to Lagos, the economic hub of Nigeria, from other parts of the country.
#SarotheMusical was Epic!
— 'Lade Hephzibah O🌹 (@LadeOlugbemi) August 30, 2017
MTN may not be best friends with many Nigerians due to the network issues based on their service provision but with this yet another feat with #SaroTheMusical, some Nigerians might overlook these failings.