Following successful performances in May and June, ‘The Trials of Brother Jero – The Opera’, is set to return to the stage for an encore performance on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.
Produced by Vesta Orchestra, the event begins with a pre-show school concerts at 4:00 p.m. featuring four school orchestras. This will be followed by the main opera at 5:00 p.m.
The opera is an adaptation of Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka’s celebrated satirical play, ‘The Trials of Brother Jero’ (1963). The production reimagines the story of Brother Jeroboam, a charismatic self-proclaimed prophet whose schemes and manipulations drive the heart of Soyinka’s enduring satire.
Set against the vibrant atmosphere of Lagos and Bar Beach, the production, according to Executive Producer Rosalyn Aninyei, “combines the humour and social commentary of the original play with live orchestral music, powerful vocals and African musical influences.”
“The result is a fresh interpretation of one of Nigeria’s most recognised works of theatre, bringing Soyinka’s characters and themes to audiences through opera,” Aninyei added.
The production is led by Rosalyn Aninyei as Executive Producer, with Gbolabo Gibbs Adebakin as Director, Seun Owoaje as Composer and Kehinde Oretimehin (Omo Kabiyesi) as Librettist. The lead cast features Captain Gibbs, IGE, John Paul Ochei and Abiola Lepe.
Speaking on the production, Aninyei noted that Nigeria has a rich operatic tradition and that there are many more African stories waiting to be told.
“There is a hunger for African stories globally. We must be the ones to tell them,” she said.
Director Gbolabo Gibbs Adebakin also emphasised the importance of making theatre accessible by connecting new productions with familiar stories and experiences.
“When you want to bring something new to the people, it is good to start with the familiar so that they understand that this isn’t far off,” he said.
The October performance will mark the third staging of the opera and will take place at the newly renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, offering audiences an opportunity to experience the production in one of Lagos’ major cultural spaces.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
Schools Concert: 4:00 p.m. – 4:40 p.m.
Opera: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Venue: Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts (National Arts Theatre), Iganmu, Lagos.
