The vibrant city of Lagos witnessed another unforgettable artistic experience as the July edition of TALP X, a quarterly creative showcase by the Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA), took center stage at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, on Saturday, July 19. The event, a unique blend of theatre, music, and socially driven narratives, delivered an electrifying three-hour show that stirred both laughter and introspection.
Running from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, the sold-out performance spotlighted four original stage productions, written and performed by TAFTA trainees. Each play dealt boldly with critical social issues such as patriarchy, domestic conflict, and mental health, offering an immersive glimpse into contemporary Nigerian realities.
The crowd roared with laughter during Gbas Gbos, a comical family drama that poked at the chaos bred by a domestic quarrel. It opened up meaningful conversations around relationships, cultural values, and the accountability often missing in family dynamics. Next up, You Say! delivered a jubilant blend of live music and stand-up comedy, capturing life’s little absurdities in a show that had everyone clapping along.
On a heavier note, Endgame took the audience into the depths of toxic relationships, revealing the emotional trauma left in their wake. Its gripping portrayal served as a wake-up call on the need for self-awareness, healing, and boundary-setting. The event concluded with Jigida, a triumphant drama celebrating female resistance against patriarchal oppression. It was a standing-ovation moment that moved many to tears.
Celebrity actress and TAFTA brand ambassador, Bamike “BamBam” Olawunmi-Adenibuyan, who was in attendance, shared heartfelt praise. “I learnt so much. It was entertaining, educational, and I’ll definitely return. Kudos to TAFTA and BAP,” she said.
JO Umoibom, Academy Lead at TAFTA, emphasized the importance of the TALP X platform: “This is where our students turn their training into real performance. Today, they’re standing on the biggest theatre stage in Nigeria.”
Founded by the visionary Bolanle Austen-Peters, TAFTA offers free, world-class training across disciplines like scriptwriting, sound design, animation, lighting, and art entrepreneurship. Powered by a blend of digital and hands-on learning, the academy continues to champion youth empowerment through the creative arts.
TALP (TAFTA Action Learning Project) represents the culmination of TAFTA’s practical curriculum—an opportunity for graduates to collaborate, create, and showcase their voices. Backed by the Mastercard Foundation, TALP X is fast becoming a launchpad for the next generation of African storytellers, celebrating narratives that are unapologetically bold and authentically African.
