The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives by Rotimi Babatunde adapted from the novel by Lol;a Honeyin. The Arcola, 24 Ashwin Street, London E1 until 21 May 2025, 5☆☆☆☆☆. Review: William Russell.
Photo Credit: Charlie Flint.
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives by Rotimi Babatunde adapted from the novel by Lol;a Honeyin. The Arcola, 24 Ashwin Street, London E1 until 21 May 2025,
5☆☆☆☆☆. Review: William Russell.
“A splendid production.”
Baba Segi has three wives. But when he decides to take a fourth, a young student called Bolanie, he finds she simply does not get pregnant whereas by his other three he has seven children. So what is wrong? Finding out is hilarious as the world of patriarchy in Nigeria is thrown into turmoil by what he discovers. The play was seen in 2018 at the Arcola and this return is a splendid affair, funny, sad, and very revealing about how women can stand up for themselves. Baba learns a great deal as the women come out on top. Admittedly the speed with which director Femi Elufowoju jr keeps his cast performing and the Nigerian accents mean that it takes a little while for the ear to adjust to it all but since it lasts well over two hours with an interval there is plenty of time to get to grips with the facts of life revealed. It is very much an ensemble piece but Patrice Naiambana is a magnificent Baba, devious and demanding, convinced of his own superiority and that the lack of yet another heir is nothing to do with him, which, of course, it has. With an ensemble cast it is impossible to pick out performances – but all the wives seize their chances with style, the men fill in the supporting roles – sons and a doctor who discovers the reason for Baba's lack of an heir among them – with equal skill. The company take hold of a stage bare except for the occasional chair and create a vibrant world where matters of life and death get examined. It is a joyous evening. The wives, of course, do not welcome the new arrival, and plot to kill her. Baba facing up to having to give a sperm sample is a highlight of the evening as is Bolani's disclosure that she was raped by a taxi driver at the age of fifteen and has had an abortion – a story which is both tragic in the telling but, since the taxi driver is played by Naiambana also very funny as he adopts a totally different persona to that of Bab. Splendidly and inventively directed by Femi Elufowoju jr this is an evening of discovery, of female resilience in a world of patriarchy which is duly shattered to pieces to enjoy. It may all be taking place in Nigeria but the way women can destroy the ways of patriarchy apply anywhere. A return to be welcomed indeed.
Cast
Kemi Adekoya – Iya Segi
Mofe Akande – Iya Femi
Ayo-Dele Edwards – Mama Bolanie
Ayane de First – Tunde
Usifu Jalloh – Taju
Patrice Naiambana – Baba Segi
Tania Nwachukwu – Segi
Dolapo Oni – Bolanie
Christina Oshunniyi – Iya Tope
Diana Yekinni – Nurse
The entire cast also provide the Ensemble
Creatives
Director, Musical Director – Femi Elufowoju Jr
Designer – ULTZ
Choreography and Intimacy director – Lemi Durosinmi
Lighting Designer – Simisola Majekodunmi
Costume Supervisor – Shola Ajayi
