By Eugene Smith – The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is a delightful play written by Lola Shoneyin with a stage adaptation by Rotimi Babatunde.
This sharp witted and often humorous play takes the audience of the Arcola Theatre on an emotional rollercoaster of events, which happens within a patriarchy household. The Patriarch Baba Segi played by Patrice Naiambana, is a proud wealthy man with three wives and several children. He prides himself on his virility, wealth and good fortune. One day he meets Bolanle played by Marcy Dolapo Oni a beautiful graduate, he does everything in his power to convince her to become his fourth wife. With strong disapproval from her mother, played by Ayo-Dele Edwards, who opposes polygamy. Bolanle marries Baba Segi.
Baba Segi’s insatiable appetite for sex with his new wife, Bolanle, who is the only educated one among them, without a child, soon brings about jealousy and concern amongst the other three wives who dislike the new wife and plot against her. This once orderly household becomes dysfunctional, which eventually leads to some latent secrets coming to light.
Femi Elufowoju Jr’s confident and creative directing, using song and dance with strong drumming to highlight sensitive and sometimes raunchy scenes is a testament of his experience as a prolific theatre director. Very few props and costume were used. However the quality of the actors, who are in harmony with one another, creates a realistic atmosphere; simple but effective lighting also helps to guide the story.
The Secret Lives Of Baba Segi’s Wives is a tantalizing, brave and very entertaining play.
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives currently running until 21 July 21018 at the Arcola Theatre 24 Ashwin Street London E8 3DL Call Box Office: +44 20 7503 1645
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