Heartbeat ' How theatre connects communication

THERE is the saying, 'All work and no play, makes jack a dull boy'. This was of Telecoms operator, Airtel Nigeria, that called out their entire community to the Coral Reef Hall, Ikoyi, last weekend for a remarkable evening of theatre, packed full of exciting presentations, warm interactions and fun.The event tagged, A Night to Remember, was put together by the Garden Theatre Company to premiere the launch edition of its work, Heartbeat.The event showcased Nigeria's rich cultural heritage vis-a-vis values, music, arts and ethos, and the promising future of Nigeria arts. It was one evening that readily gave deeper insight into the commitment of the network to the Nigerian dream as told by the plot of the music-laden drama Heartbeat.Directed by Tosin Otudeko, the drama is a compelling narrative about a young girl in her homeland Nigeria as she strives to achieve her dreams, while dealing with the loss of her mother and the constraints of the society in which she lives. It depicts the conflict in making a choice to survive amid contrary circumstances.Heartbeat tells the story of the Arinola, (Zara Udofia) and her time in Hope Academy where she becomes friends with the repented and peace-preaching File, (Kelvin Alozie), Adi -Frederick Ekpiu and Bisi-Damilola Kalejaiye. Her dalliances later stretch further to the Fighters For Change, a group of criminal revolutionaries led by Kashi, a role played by Toritseju Ejoh, which is desperate to destroy the establishment and all who have benefitted from it.Heartbeat brings to the fore such societal vices as institutional rot, filth, corruption, lies, betrayal, jealousy, love and power-play, and paints a political picture wrapped up in history, and complex love stories; love that exists between friends, mother and daughter, sisters and the desire for change- but with a different approach. Conclusively, it echoes the aspects of the oppressive political class marked by failure to address basic societal needs.Airtel's decision to collaborate with the Garden Theatre Company might have predicated on its commitment to championing causes for national development, creating excitement for Nigerians and connecting with its customers through unique platforms that offer both entertainment and enlightenment.
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