1,000 People Rise A Standing Ovation For Hear Word!

HEAR WORD! received thunderous applause and a standing ovation as the production took to the National Theatre stage. The audience, which numbered near 1,000 people, was so taken by this unique performance they jumped to their feet before the stage lights dimmed. The dramatic stage play, HEAR WORD! Naija Woman Talk True, stars heavyweights in the theatre and film industry including Joke Silva, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Iretiola Doye, Bimbo Akintola, Dakore, Omonor and more. The play concentrates on the issues that Nigerian women face on a daily basis.

HEAR WORD! is dedicated to bringing performance art to Nigerians everywhere, irrespective of social and economic status, and held the special performance at the recently renovated National Theatre for this reason. Sponsors helped to underwrite the cost of the performance allowing the ticket price to be an attainable N200.

Last week, May 14th, the ladies of HEAR WORD! staged a surprise performance in the Mushin market. Despite the torrential downpour the actors, being consummate professionals, insisted that the show must go on and took to the stage while the rain continued to fall. On this day the stage was a clearing in the market's bus depot. An appreciate crowd quickly gathered and was treated to the thrill of a lifetime as these amazing actresses delivered their A-list performances. Photos of the incredible market performance have gone viral online.

'The objective of Hear Word! is to celebrate Nigerian women and bring issues relevant to them to the fore of national discourse. We want to let the production play in every available arena in Nigeria because the truth is that women are undervalued despite their awesome potential.'

Explaining why the play was staged at Mushin Market, one of the busiest in Lagos, Ifeoma Fafunwa, Director - Producer HEAR WORD! continued: 'Market women are the ones running their homes. They are the ones grooming the next generation of Nigerians. They will take the message home and impact the next generation.'

'It is critical that we bring these issues concerning women to the forefront of Nigerians' conversations. What better way to get the conversation started, then to go directly to those who are most affected by these issues. Not everyone can afford to attend a performance at the MUSON Centre and that is why we took our play to the Mushin market and today, have brought it to the National Theatre for only N200. We would like to thank our sponsors Fayrouz, UBA, Onga, airtel, Cool FM and Africa Magic for making today's event possible for the people of Lagos.'

'There is no doubt that there are so many issues confronting Nigerian women today. The most recent is the abduction of almost 300 girls in Chibok, Borno State. Through this series of plays we hope to trigger concerted efforts towards resolving this and other issues. It's not going to be an easy task but we trust that once Nigerians Hear Word!, it would be most difficult to turn a deaf ear to these important issues,' said Fafunwa.

HEAR WORD! opens at The MUSON Centre on Friday, May 23rd.

Show Dates: May 23, 24, 30, 31
Friday: 7pm, Saturday: 2pm & 7pm
The Cast:
Joke Silva, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Iretiola Doyle, Bimbo Akintola, Omonor, Dakore, Elvina Ibru, Rita Edward, Zara Ejoh, Odenike, Deborah Ohiri, Ufuoma McDermott

Ticketing:
Jumia.com, Afritickets.com, Quintessence, Terra Kulture, Bogobiri, The Jazz Hole, Supreme Salon (Lekki, Phase 1), The Nail Studio (VI)

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.hearwordnaija.com
Twitter: @hearwordnaija
Google+: Hear Word
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/HEARWORD