Homecoming (2021 play)

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Homecoming
Written by Chetachi Igbokwe
Directed byUgochukwu Victor Ugwu
Music byUgochukwu Dansey Uboh
Choreography
  • Kosi Ejikeme
  • Aina Adebola
  • Chimaobi Okolo
  • Lorenzo Menakaya
  • Chudi Mike
  • Simon Ebuka Ugwu
  • Oyindamola Adesunloye
Characters
  • Nwakibe Echeruo
  • Adannaya Echeruo
  • Nebeolisa
  • Mr. Writer/Johnson
  • Ahumaraeze
Date premieredMay 6, 2021 (2021-05-06)
Place premieredNew Arts Theatre, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Original language English, Igbo
Genre Tragedy, Drama
SettingThe Echeruo household, Native shrine

Homecoming is a stage play written by Nigerian playwright Chetachi Igbokwe. Premiered on 6 May 2021 at the New Arts Theatre, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the play was directed by Ugochukwu Victor Ugwu and produced by the Maestro Theatre. It explores themes of tragedy, familial bonds, and cultural heritage, drawing on the Igbo folklore and blending comic and tragic elements to create a compelling narrative.

Contents

Background

Chetachi Igbokwe's Homecoming, delves into themes of loss, grief, memory, and the fear of separation. Inspired by a personal experience in 2019, when Igbokwe anxiously awaited his sister's arrival at the airport after a prolonged absence, the play explores the anxieties surrounding recognition and connection after significant separations. This emotional resonance forms the bedrock of the play's central conflict. [1]

The fear of loss permeates Homecoming, becoming a prominent motif. However, the impact of loss took on even greater significance for Igbokwe after the passing of both his parents, which occurred shortly after the play received the Association of Nigerian Authors' Prize for Drama. [1] This deeply personal tragedy reshaped the play's meaning for him. He reevaluated the weight of the word "death" and found parallels between his own experiences and the characters' grief, infusing the work with authenticity and emotional depth. [1]

Plot

The plot centers on Nwakibe Echeruo (played by Kosiso Ejikeme), who is deeply affected by the disappearance of his son Nebeolisa. The search for answers dominates his life, while his wife Adannaya Echeruo (portrayed by Aina Adebola) faces her own grief. The narrative explores Adannaya's psychological distress and Nwakibe's determined search, which intersects with Mr. Writer/Johnson (played by Chimaobi Okolo), a writer who offers cryptic advice, and Ahumaraeze (portrayed by Simon Ebuka Ugwu), a diviner knowledgeable in Igbo traditions. Their interactions lead Nwakibe on a path of conflict and self-reflection, resulting in unexpected revelations. [2] [3]

Characters

Themes and analysis

The play delves into the complexities of human emotions and cultural expectations. It raises questions about the nature of tragedy and the essence of "craft" in storytelling. Igbokwe's mastery in blending tragic and comic elements is evident, as the audience experiences a range of emotions, from laughter to sorrow, often simultaneously. [2]

Nwakibe's character embodies the traditional tragic hero, whose personal flaws and societal pressures lead to his downfall. His internal struggle and ultimate failure highlight the inevitability of fate, a common theme in classical tragedies. [3] Adannaya's descent into madness reflects societal attitudes towards mental health. Her condition, exacerbated by the loss of her son, is largely ignored by those around her, symbolising the stigma and neglect often associated with mental health issues in society. [2] The play's use of Igbo language and folklore enriches its narrative, providing a cultural context that resonates with the audience. The character's dialogues and the play's setting offer a glimpse into the traditions and values of the Igbo people. [2]

Critical reception

Homecoming received critical acclaim for its well-developed characters, relatable dialogue, and effective use of theatrical elements. Reviewers praised the play's deft blend of humour and tragedy, finding it both entertaining and thought-provoking. Sima Essien, writing for The Nation Newspaper , commended the play's ability to "[capture] for us the tragic notion of the certainties we trust falling apart to fracture our dreams into unimaginable nightmares". [3] Essien lauded the performances, particularly Kosiso Ejikeme's portrayal of Nwakibe, who was described as "a formidable presence onstage, and arguably the very soul and heartbeat of the entire story". [3] The production's use of theatrical effects also garnered praise. The set design and lighting were lauded for their ability to create a powerful and immersive atmosphere, shifting between the familiar comfort of Nwakibe's home and the unsettling ambience of a traditional shrine. The use of music and a chorus was commended for adding emotional depth and highlighting the play's themes of loss and redemption. [3]

Iheoma J. Uzomba, writing for AfreecanRead.com, described the play as "helplessly [involving]," drawing audiences into the characters' struggles. She emphasised how Igbokwe effectively evokes both pity and fear, fulfilling the Aristotelian tragic experience. She lauded Igbokwe's "mastery of twisting plots and gradually unfurling resolutions." She admired the play's meticulously crafted characters and "delightful dialogues." [2]

Sharon O. Okey-Onyema, writing for Arts Lounge Magazine, highlighted the play's ability to "[dig] out a certain emotion" in viewers. She commended how Homecoming fulfills the requirements of tragedy by generating feelings of pity and fear in the audience. She hailed the play as a "work of art" that adheres to aesthetic principles and sparks meaningful discussions. [4]

Darlington Chibueze Anuonye and Anthony Chibueze Ukwuoma, writing for This Day focused on the portrayal of grief and loss in their review. They commended Igbokwe's insightful and empathetic depiction of these experiences. [5]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Malech, Dora (15 June 2023). "Memory and the Mimesis of Loss: In Conversation with Cheta Igbokwe". The Hopkins Review. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "THIS THING WE CALL 'CRAFT': A REVIEW OF THE STAGE PLAY HOMECOMING BY CHETACHI IGBOKWE". Afreecan Read. 9 June 2021. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Essien, Sima (15 June 2021). "Reviewing Igbokwe's 'Homecoming'". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
  4. "A REVIEW OF "HOMECOMING" BY SHARON O. OKEY-ONYEMA". ARTS LOUNGE MAGAZINE. 4 June 2021. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
  5. "Writing Loss and Grief in Cheta Igbokwe's Homecoming – THISDAYLIVE". THISDAYLIVE – Truth and Reason. 25 June 2023. Retrieved 17 June 2024.