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Beautifully choreographed, perfectly executed… these are the words that come to mind when one thinks of the latest stage opera ‘The Gods Have Spoken’ as directed by Muyideen Lala. It’s a breathtaking work of total theatre that left the Lagos audience at Terra Kulture utterly captivated a few weekends ago.

Director Muyideen Oladapo, popularly known as Lala, didn’t just stage Dr. Taiye Adeola’s scripted opera; he delivered a massive spectacle complete with dance, costume, delivery, and beautiful music. We’re talking about a production featuring over 140 pages of music and a crew of more than 80 actors and professionals. This immense scale ensured that the tension between human decisions and divine will—the central theme of the opera—was felt in every single note.

The Power of Performance and Music

The Gods Have Spoken breaks convention by utilising the opera format, meaning every line of dialogue is acted out in the form of a song, transforming the script into a living, breathing musical force. Under the guidance of Music Director Adeaga Mofopefoluwa and Choreography Director Segun Adefila, the performance was flawless.

Lala lived up to his promise of showcasing stars in a new element. The cast was nothing short of all-star, featuring powerful performances from actors like Lateef Adedimeji, Femi Branch, Omowunmi Dada, Dr. Tunji Sotimirin, and Lizzy Jay. Seeing these familiar faces channel their passion through song was a testament to the artistry of Nigerian theatre. It elevated the play’s message of hope and destiny for the common man.

A Spectacular Finale: Ondo’s Ijo Alawo

Producer Olamide Oladapo had hinted that the show would feature something special, and what followed was a moment of pure theatrical magic. After the narrative reached its emotional crescendo, the stage erupted in the vibrant, beautiful spectacle of the Ondo dance, known as Ijo alawo. As the maidens executed the dance with the traditional white saucers, the spinning and whirling was the perfect climax for a beautiful work of stage art. This high-energy, perfectly synchronised cultural display was the ultimate exclamation mark, wrapping up the opera with an unforgettable surge of Nigerian culture and positive energy.

The Gods Have Spoken is an unforgettable experience of passion, fate, and faith. It’s a compelling, high-calibre production that serves as a powerful reminder of why live theatre remains a true work of art.