Return of Jero' reimagines Soyinka's classic play in Lagos

Staged on Saturday, July 25, the production was part of celebrations for Soyinka’s 92nd birthday and the 40th anniversary of his Nobel Prize in Literature. Playwright Babatunde Odubanwo produced the adaptation, which reinterprets Soyinka’s iconic prophet within modern Nigerian realities, addressing themes such as religion, politics, social media, commerce, and public morality. The play maintained the original's wit and satire while incorporating contemporary characters, music, choreography, and visual storytelling to appeal to new audiences.

Odubanwo stated that the production serves as a cultural bridge, introducing younger generations to Soyinka’s literary legacy and offering older audiences a fresh perspective on a classic. He emphasized that the issues Soyinka explored decades ago are still relevant today, having simply evolved. The successful premiere has led to discussions about additional performances, institutional collaborations, and festival appearances across Nigeria and beyond, showcasing the growing confidence of Nigeria’s contemporary theatre industry in reimagining classic African literary works.