It was indeed a moment of ecstasy as theatre fans trooped to the theatre at the Cyprain Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture, Abuja to watch the highly- anticipated stage play, “Just to Live” presented by theatre artistes from the Afrique Arts Academy of performing arts.
“Just to Live” is a psychological drama on the tragedy that befell a young lady who, in search of greener pastures, got caught in a web of confusion. She was introduced into prostitution by her aunt who promised to give her a better life. All attempts to quit prostitution failed and she ended up with a bastard child, acute Tuberclosis coupled with HIV.
Commenting on the drama, the executive director of Afrique Arts Academy, Mrs. Teena Ukpai said drama can be used to portray and correct societal ills.
“There is something which is called sociology of drama. It is about using drama to correct societal ills. I am of the school of thought that theatre is not just to come and entertain but it should be used to treat some of the issues plaguing our society. In the drama for example, we were talking about the dangers of prostitution. We also looked at the trauma and rejection people infected with HIV/AIDS pass through.”
This show is coming as part of efforts to rejuvenate entertainment in Abuja especially theatre arts.
Afrique Arts Academy of performing arts is partnering with the Cyprain Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture to produce these dramas which will be performed first Friday of every month.
The organisers of the show think this will go a long way to promote Nigerian theatre culture.
“Arts embodies a wealth of knowledge that cannot be exhausted and it is essential for us to come together and encourage this culture of visiting the theatre,” Ukpa said.