Love on Stage: How Two Sallah Plays Lit Up Abuja’s Theatre Scene
Jerry Adesewo
In what could be described as a cultural milestone, this year’s Sallah celebration in Abuja was marked not just by prayers and festivities, but by a rare and compelling theatrical double-bill that brought love, family, and resilience to the centre stage.
For the first time in recent memory, two captivating theatre productions were staged within days of each other—each drawing inspiration from the spirit of Eid and the timeless theme of love.
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On Saturday, June 7, C3 Media Theatre House debuted its original musical Echoes of Yesterday, a contemporary love story co-written by Victoria Nwuche and Sola Oyeniyi. Hosted at Barlance, a new performance-friendly venue in Maitama with an owner committed to supporting theatre in the capital, the production opened the celebratory weekend with a powerful narrative of hidden truths, second chances, and enduring love.
Directed by Sola Oyeniyi and choreographed by Michael Atuonwu, the story followed Osas (Favour Omeibije) and Dolapo (Taiga Okiemute)—two lovers each haunted by a past they were too afraid to share. While Osas had fathered a child before meeting Dolapo, she struggled with a past of drug addiction and rehabilitation. Their secrets threatened to undo their love, but their emotional connection proved stronger than their fears.
The storytelling was amplified by the use of expressive dance sequences by shadow performers Janet Abeji and Samson Atuonwu, who physically interpreted the inner lives of the main characters. With a minimalist set, emotionally rich dialogue, and a soundtrack of popular love songs that had the audience singing along, Echoes of Yesterday proved that less can be more when it comes to connecting with audiences.
Two days later, on Monday, June 9, the action moved to Transcorp Hilton Hotel, where Rivers of Water Productions unveiled the culturally rich and emotionally gripping Tauraron Arewa (Star of the North). This play, written by Mariam Mbaka and directed by Patrick Otoro, marked a significant moment in Nigerian theatre as the first major Arewa-themed love story to be staged in Abuja, featuring an ensemble of Nollywood and Kannywood stars.
The production boasted stunning visuals, elegant choreography, and deeply resonant storytelling. With a stage set that evoked the traditions and colours of Northern Nigeria, and costumes designed by Valentina Effiom, the audience was transported into the heart of Hausa culture. A carefully curated soundtrack blended traditional Arewa tunes with contemporary love songs, enriching the experience even further.
Tauraron Arewa explored love in three dimensions: paternal sacrifice, brotherhood, and romantic commitment. Alhaji Musa (Rabiu Rikadawa) would stop at nothing to ensure the well-being of his son Abdullahi (Jared Daniels), while Paul (Malcolm Teyon), a southern friend, demonstrated brotherly love by offering to donate a kidney to save Abdullahi’s life. At the heart of the play was the love story between Abdullahi and Amina (Maryam Booth), a modest schoolteacher and volunteer health worker. Their romance faced stiff resistance from both families, as Alhaji Musa had already arranged another bride for his son as part of a business alliance.
The cast delivered powerful performances, including Jibrin Ahmed as Mallam Umar (Amina’s father), Grace Awe as Habibat Fatima (Amina’s mother), and Gloria Lemmy-Johnson as Hajiya Binta (Abdullahi’s mother). The production also introduced young Joan Jackson in her stage debut as Jamila, sharing the stage with her real-life mother, Yusayhel Jackson.
What stood out across both productions was not just the thematic synergy, but the intentional timing and relevance of their narratives. In an era where theatre in Nigeria continues to fight for visibility and funding, these two productions served as a testament to its vitality and its ability to mirror the emotional and social realities of everyday Nigerians.
The success of ‘Echoes of Yesterday’ and ‘Tauraron Arewa’ offers a hopeful signal that Abuja’s theatre scene has entered a new phase. One where holidays like Sallah, Easter, Christmas, Independence holidays are not just for feasting, but for reflection, creativity, and cultural communion. And one which the Transcorp Hilton Hotel through their partnership with Rivers of Water Productions has become a major driver of.
In a city known for policy and politics, this Sallah was a reminder that art is still one of the most powerful tools for building empathy and community. If these two shows are any indication, the Abuja stage is poised for even greater storytelling moments—and the audience is ready.
Love on Stage: How Two Sallah Plays Lit Up Abuja’s Theatre Scene.