On the heels of the Lagos at 50 celebrations, Theatre Centrik Greens continues the celebration with a spectacle total arts concert, Eko Njo. The show also celebrates the group’s 18th anniversary. The brain behind Theatre Centrik, Anthony Boyede (popularly known as ‘Biyi), after the first leg of the show on Wednesday, spoke with Senior Copy Editor, INNOCENT ANORUO, on his sojourn into theatre and the show, which second leg comes up on Saturday.
Of all disciplines, why did you choose theatre, and how did you start?
At my secondary school level, it was me becoming an economist. Later, I discovered that my participation in the choir of St. Denis Catholic Church, Akoka, and other professional bodies has taken me to another vocation. I started acting on stage at the age of nine.
I made my way to Ibadan for a TV series, after which I joined the Black Image Cultural Troupe. I had a stint with other groups before starting my own theatre group for youths development. So in 1999, we started Youth Communication Theatre Troupe & Entertainment of Africa which is presently called Theatre Centrik.
Is it your parents that wanted you to become an economist, or who?
Being an economist was my first love.
Why the name Theatre Centrik?
Because we only practise theatre in totality. It is a media and theatre organisation based in Lagos. It is set to engage lovers of art in an atmosphere of creative exploits.
How about Greens?
The group’s name is Theatre Centrik. Its colour is green, black and white. Green takes 90 per cent, while the rest share the 10 per cent. With that, we are the greens.
Would you say you have achieved your aim of founding Theatre Centrik?
Yes, I have achieved quite a lot of it. I have developed over 10,000 young minds since the establishment of Theatre Centrik 18 years ago. Youth’s creative development is my primary goal.
Does this mean that you have arrived, or what do you still want to achieve? In other words, what is your ultimate goal in this theatre business?
(Smiles) The farmer can never stop producing. The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement. There is still so much work to be done. We have just started. My ultimate goal is to establish an academy of arts where young minds will come and learn practical and theory of arts from seasoned lecturers; a certified school of arts that can stand at the same level with any international arts school.
That is long-term plan. For the short term, where do you see yourself and Theatre Centrik in the next five years?
The long term plan is there already. In five years time, Theatre Centrik should become a household name within and outside the country. The organisation should have grown to the level of having a registered school by then.
In these 18 years, what major events has Theatre Centrik Greens organised?
Events I have produced for the organisation include Aranbada now Araloba, Dance Champions League, Street Theatre, Eko Njo Festival, just to mention a few.
The organisation has also performed in various events within Nigeria, other African countries, Europe, South America and North America. Today, after 18 years of hardwork, dedication and determination, the organisation is involved in total theatre performance and training. The organisation has moved from being just a collection of young talents into a citadel that raises best minds for future challenges.
Did any trophy come from any of those events?
Theatre Centrik has received several awards which include: Best Indigenous Theatre Company 2008, Best Dance Presentation at Osun Osogbo Festival 2009, Outstanding Theatre Service Provider 2010, Best Outstanding Private Group in Lagos 2013, Dance Guild (GOND) Merit Award 2014, Theatre Honour Award 2015, and Second Best Dance Troupe, Ondo State, 2016.
At Theatre Centrik, we believe you can’t have that event without us.
Who is your role model?
God and God alone.
Let’s talk about your next show.
Our next show is Eko Njo. It’s another season of total theatre experience. On Wednesday, June 21, it was held at Bespoke Events Centre, Lekki. The next comes on Saturday, June 24, at the Department of Creative Arts, University of Lagos (UNLAG), Akoka.
It celebrates Lagos at 50 and Theatre Centrik at 18 with a creative concert.
The concert is solely funded by Theatre Centrik, with support from City Profs Educational Foundation.
It is produced by Anthony Oluwabiyi Boyede and Omobola Anthonia Boyede.
What is the essence of the concert?
The essence of the concert is to explore the rich content of Nigeria/Lagos cultural arts, through drama, music and dance.
The play talks about the culture of Lagos: past, present and future.
If you are lover of arts or a supporter of creative idea, join us as we hit history lane through arts.
Eko Njo is set with music dance mood, providing a key hole into the everyday life of the people of Lagos who run the business and all the guests.
The concert advocates respect for cultural differences. It promotes patriotism and educational development, as well as value system.
There is a yawning need to showcase this versatile and infectious industry in an upbeat way to reveal its professional edges, its prospects and various other opportunities that abound therein; in terms of visual experience, information and entertainment that will wheel the cultural promotion of The Land of Lagos. Therefore the need to see Eko Njo is utmost.
What have you to tell the young ones that admire you and want to join Theatre Centrik or do theatre elsewhere the way you do?
It’s a journey of patience and humility. The only success wheel is to be focused. Theatre Centrik is always ready to train young minds and adults in all areas of creative arts. You are always welcome to the family at all times. Always follow your dream.
Who are the established stars (cast and crew) that you are featuring in your show?
All the hands are established and have made their marks in the creative arts industry.