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1979

Sergeant Ola and his Followers

Written by David Lan

Play Details

Context

Artistic Director 
Max Stafford-Clark

 

Dates Performed

Tuesday 23rd October 1979
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs

Play Details

Synopsis

Nigeria, Post-Colonial Era

Sergeant Ola, a charismatic and opportunistic military officer, returns from the battlefield with grand ambitions of political power. Alongside his loyal but often bumbling followers, he attempts to navigate the treacherous waters of Nigerian politics. The play delves into the absurdity of political ambition and the often corruptible nature of those who seek power.

Through a series of comedic and poignant scenes, Rotimi examines themes of leadership, corruption, and the clash between traditional values and modern aspirations. The narrative is rich with Nigerian cultural references, incorporating dance, music, and traditional storytelling methods to create a vibrant and immersive experience.

The play’s tone oscillates between dark humour and critical social commentary, highlighting Rotimi’s skill in merging entertainment with profound reflections on societal issues. The characters’ interactions and misadventures serve as a microcosm of the larger political dynamics at play in Nigeria during this tumultuous period.

Director(s)

Max Stafford-Clark

Poster credit

Poster courtesy of V&A Theatre and Performance Archive

Cast & Creative

Cast

Bruce Alexander

Cast

Norman Beaton

Cast

Burt Caeser

Cast

Joseph Charles

Cast

Jimmy Findley

Cast

Paul Kembwe

Cast

Will Knightley

Cast

Sarah Lam

Cast

David Rintoul

Cast

Mia Soteriou

Cast

Ben Thomas

Designer

Peter Hartwell

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