The stage at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos, was ablaze on Saturday, July 19, 2025, as the latest edition of TALP X, Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA)’s quarterly showcase, captivated a sold-out audience.
The event, a vibrant display of bold storytelling and electrifying entertainment, left attendees deeply moved, inspired, and clamouring for more.
From 2 PM to 5 PM, TAFTA trainees commanded the stage with four thought-provoking and genre-blending productions, reinforcing TALP X’s reputation as a crucial platform for Nigeria’s emerging creative voices.
Among the evening’s highlights was Gbas Gbos, a hilarious family drama that expertly unravelled the ripple effects of a heated domestic dispute. Its blend of absurdity and tension sparked lively conversations about culture, relationships, and personal responsibility.
The atmosphere lightened with You Say!, a feel-good fusion of live music and stand-up comedy. The performance had the audience clapping, laughing, and nodding in rhythm as relatable stories were delivered with charm and wit.
In stark contrast, Endgame presented a gripping and emotionally charged exploration of toxic relationships and their lasting scars. This raw and sobering piece served as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-worth and boundaries.
Closing the show was Jigida, a striking socio-political drama that boldly challenged patriarchal traditions and celebrated the power of collective resistance. The audience watched in awe as a community of women turned the tables on a broken system in a performance that was both haunting and triumphant.
Reflecting on the experience, media personality and actress Bamike Olawunmi-Adenibuyan, who serves as TAFTA’s Brand Ambassador, shared her enthusiasm: “I learnt a lot. I was entertained, it was educative and I will do it again. Shout out to TAFTA and BAP.”
Mr. JO Umoibom, Academy Lead at TAFTA, explained the showcase’s significance to the Academy’s mission: “At Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA), we believe that when we train our participants, we give them this opportunity to practice what they have learnt. From learnings and rehearsals to today, they are performing on the biggest theater stage in Nigeria.”
TAFTA, an initiative of the multiple award-winning theatre and film director Bolanle Austen-Peters, is a creative learning institution providing free, world-class training in scriptwriting, sound design, lighting design, animation, art business, and entrepreneurship. Through a combination of digital and in-person instruction, TAFTA equips young Nigerians with the essential skills, tools, and mentorship needed to thrive in the dynamic creative industry.
As part of TAFTA’s hands-on learning approach, participants who complete their training are grouped into production teams to develop collaboratively and stage original plays. TALP (TAFTA Action Learning Project) is the culmination of this journey—a platform where learning is transformed into a compelling theatrical experience.
Produced in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, TALP X continues to serve as an experiential platform that showcases the remarkable talent, creativity, and growth of young Nigerian creatives.
With a sold-out show, the July edition of TALP X was a resounding success, offering a clear reflection of the future of African storytelling: vibrant, fearless, and deeply resonant.
