Challenging gender and societal norms, writer and director Bunmi Awolowo has unveiled '99% Virgin', an immersive theatre experience that pushes boundaries. Awolowo, founder of Signpost Studios Productions, collaborated with RISE to craft the story of a devout Christian girl navigating life's unexpected challenges. The narrative explores the intersection of fear, faith, and desire, as the lead character Olamide confronts everything she thought she knew about purity, desire, and devotion.
A Bold Exploration of Purity and Desire
The play leaves no topic off limits in its bold and deeply relatable portrayal of Olamide's journey from conviction to confusion. With support from her best friend, Olamide faces the question of what women do when their reputation and life are on the line. The hilarious drama challenges long-held convictions and sparks fresh conversations about the remaining '1%'.
Cast and Performances
The cast includes Seyi Sobowale (Simi), Tolu Bishop (Tunde), Audu Israel (Doctor Prestige), Taiwo Oyindasola (Iya Shukura), Debby Whyte (Olamide), and Blessing Boyede (Ify). Whyte, who plays Olamide Folarin, traces her stage acting beginnings to the church, making her official debut as a stage actor last year. She notes, 'The storyline reflects the reality of many women. I interpreted it well with the help of my director and fellow cast. Many women over 30 remain naive, and we hope they learn from this.'
Awolowo's Vision and Message
Awolowo praised the play's reception, noting it will run every weekend throughout April. She intended to challenge the norm that celibacy and purity are strictly for women. 'Men are also on that journey. Today's world makes people feel foolish for choosing celibacy. I want to encourage both women and men that it is okay to wait,' she said. Despite challenges in production, having a partner like RISE made the process easier.
The Growth of Theatre in Nigeria
Awolowo acknowledged that theatre is slowly gaining ground in Nigeria but sees room for growth. 'There are more productions coming this year. I started Signpost in 2020 with our first play for the Lagos Theatre Festival. Since then, we have done 'Alternatives', 'Unnoticed' (on mental health and suicide), 'Mara', and now '99% Virgin'.' She intends for her plays to be thought-provoking, lesson-filled, and relatable. 'Mara' was recently nominated for the Joint Film Awards. 'We plan to do more films and theatre shows. I want more investment in theatre and to bring Broadway to Nigeria. I envision shows at the National Theatre with people coming out to watch and take pride in our stories,' she added.
Support from RISE
Nduka Dike, creative director at Risevest, expressed happiness in supporting the arts. 'This is our first time supporting theatre, and we intend to continue sponsoring films and the creative sector. There is always room to improve. We have come far, but wherever there is potential, there is room for expansion,' he said.
