The Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has described acclaimed architect, Theo Lawson, as the right man in the right place and at the right time.
Soyinka so saluted Lawson based on his contributions to the development of foremost cultural centre, Freedom Park, in Lagos, which was designed by him – Lawson.
The eulogy is contained in a documentary on Lawson, whose 60th birthday celebration attracted vibes and drew many dignitaries, especially from the arts community, to the park on Saturday.
According to Soyinka, Freedom Park occupies a central place in the growth of all genres of arts, and the story of its success cannot be fully told without underlining the roles played by Lawson who not only designed it but has continued to be part of its management.
The Nobel laureate recalls how the centre imbued his play, ‘King Baabu’, with an inspiring ambiance when it was staged there.
He said Freedom Park so much suited the structure and delivery of the play that it became a character in it.
Several other people who have worked with Lawson can also not hold back kind words as they celebrate him in the documentary.
Among them are Miss Iyabo Aboaba, astute manager of the centre, who stresses his commitment to bringing up new talents and giving them opportunity to rise; ace film-maker, Tunde Kelani; Lawson’s bosom friend, Femi Odugbemi, who speaks on the birthday boy’s
fine personality and his involvement in his productions – including ‘Tinsel’ and ‘Battle Ground’, saying Lawson is a fantastic set designer; Jahman Anikulapo, who also speaks eloquently on how Lawson, vis a vis the park, has become a metaphor for good things that happen in the sector.
Members of Lawson’s family, young artistes and employees of the park also describe him in enviable terms. The workers variously recall the way he treats them with kindness, to the point of going outside the official structures to support them at times.
In the case of singer Aduke, she believes Lawson has done something memorable in her career because he gave her something she really cherishes: the opportunity to perform. Like Edaoto, Seun Olota and several other emerging voices in Lagos, Aduke has a monthly show at Freedom Park.
Many who watched the documentary at the event – including the Chairman of Tanus Communications, Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi; star actress, Joke Silva and Co-Publisher of ‘The News’, Kunle Ajibade – also relished the intimate story relayed in it by Lawson’s wife, Yeni Kuti, who recalls how they met and how her heart salivated for his for a long time before it just eventually “happen sha…”
The birthday party featured performances and other razz that charactterises such a festival of life.
