As Emir Sanusi – Truth in Time, a play on former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido, hits the stage on August 5 and 6 in Abuja, its writer, Professor Ahmed Yerima, has spoken on the making of it.
The former General Manager of the National Theatre says the play is heaviy Fulani in character, costume and accent.
He says:
“The story line is exciting. It is about destiny. Destiny plays a critical role in every person’s life.
“Life is full of challenges. Tribulations and trials are normal. The Play focuses on the lives of two Emirs destined for the same path.
“When Emir Sanusi II was installed, he said, ‘May Allah let me die on throne’.
“It was as if something was telling him that he would not stay long on the throne. Six years later, he was thrown out. It appeared simply destined to be so.
“But you can see that he has shrugged off what appears to be a disgrace and quickly bounced back to even stronger reckoning.
“He was removed as Emir but he now occupies the powerful position of Khalifa. That’s destiny. Someone destined for greatness will always be great.
“I am happy it is coming up. Eighty-five per cent of the cast size are Hausa/Fulani people.
“It is an Hausa/Fulani play. No one can play their mannerisms, accent like them.
“We have their musicians, Koroso dancers, drummers, and many other actors.”
He described the play as interesting, educating and useful in the interpretation of happenings around human lives.
NAN recalls that Yerima also wrote and directed Duke of Shomolu’s “Aremu”, a play that depicted the life of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
NAN also reports that The Duke of Shomolu Productions are specialists on historically-backed stage productions in Nigeria.
Edgar recently explained why his outfit was concentrating on such plays.
“Our vision is to tell and retell our national historical stories to a new generation in a firm bid to foster national reawakening using the arts as a strong vehicle of delivery,” he said.
