Soyinka’s ‘The Trials of Brother Jero’ Opera Returns to Lagos

Wole Soyinka’s satirical classic The Trials of Brother Jero is set to return to the stage in a new operatic adaptation at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, formerly the National Arts Theatre, in Iganmu, Lagos.

The Trials of Brother Jero: The Opera, produced by Vesta Orchestra, will be staged on Sunday, October 11, following its performances in May and June.

The programme will begin with a pre-show concert at 4 p.m., featuring four school orchestras, before the main opera starts at 5 p.m.

Adapted from Soyinka’s 1963 play, the production follows Brother Jeroboam, a charismatic self-styled prophet whose schemes and manipulation form the basis of the playwright’s satire.

According to executive producer Rosalyn Aninyei, the production combines the humour and social commentary of Soyinka’s original work with live orchestral music, vocals and African musical influences.

“The result is a fresh interpretation of one of Nigeria’s most recognised works of theatre, bringing Soyinka’s characters and themes to audiences through opera,” Aninyei said.

The production is directed by Gbolabo Gibbs Adebakin, with Seun Owoaje serving as composer and Kehinde Oretimehin (Omo Kabiyesi) as librettist.

The cast includes Captain Gibbs, IGE, John Paul Ochei and Abiola Lepe.

Set against the backdrop of Lagos and Bar Beach, the opera offers a musical reinterpretation of one of Soyinka’s best-known theatrical works while bringing its themes of religious charlatanism and social manipulation to a contemporary audience.