Explore Our Shows & Productions
MAN MADE GODS
MAN MADE GODS is a performance poetry production that interrogates Nigeria’s political culture, particularly the concept of the ‘Big Man’. It de-constructs the relationship between leader and follower, portraying the deep-seated factors – socio-political and psychological – that define this dynamic. The performance is gripping and haunting, drawing audiences into the heart of that ethical conflict – between power and principles – that lies at the heart of modern Nigerian politics. An intense experience, sprinkled lightly with humour, MAN MADE GODS has been described as Dike Chukwumerije’s ‘most serious’ production till date.
Written, directed and performed by: Dike Chukwumerije
Solo Performance
Duration: 1hr 45 mins
LET’S BE HONEST
This performance poetry production is a whimsical, funny, insightful and refreshing look at Love. It x-rays the role of lies and half-truths in relationships, and examines when and where honesty is important. It questions the rationale for giving up personal dreams in pursuit of love, and discusses the gender bias built into relationships. Using a gripping mix of poetry, storytelling and drama, the production draws audiences into a world where Love is flawed, gritty, human and beautiful. The performance is high-energy and quick tempo, with plenty to laugh about, but retaining the penetrating wisdom into human nature that characterises good poetry.LET’S BE HONEST is
everything a fairy tale love story is not, and is just perfect for a friendly night out, a first date, a make-up date, a regular date, or just two old-timers seeking to chuckle at it all.
Written, directed and performed by: Dike Chukwumerije
Solo Performance
Duration: 1hr 45 mins
THE MADE IN NIGERIA POETRY SHOW
THE MADE IN NIGERIA POETRY SHOW depicts critical aspects of Nigerian history, from 1914 till present, in a colourful stage performance. It is the story of the evolution of a unique Nigerian culture and identity, portrayed through several tales, like that of two star-crossed lovers caught in the crisis of the 1960s, the soldier considering treason in the 1970s, the mother anxious for her son in the economic turbulence of the 1980s, and the group of students agitating for change in the 1990s. Weaving these, and other, stories together in a creative combination of poetry, drama, dance and music, MADE IN NIGERIA presents a riveting theatrical performance in which Nigeria itself is the mesmerising, dazzling and thoroughly engaging central character.
Written, directed and performed by: Dike Chukwumerije
15-member cast
Duration: 2hrs
THE NIGHT OF THE SPOKEN WORD
Night of the Spoken Word (NSW) is a stand-up poetry show, featuring a line-up of acts. It is a platform created to showcase the literary arts, particularly spoken word poetry, and the amazing talents active in the genre. The first edition of NSW was held in Abuja in September 2013. Ten editions of the Show have been held since then, featuring over 70 different performers, mostly young men and women from around the country. Over the years, NSW has also accommodated performers from the genres of alternative music and dance, and has served as a launch pad for innovative spoken word theatre productions like MADE IN NIGERIA, LET’S BE HONEST and MAN MADE GODS.
Curated by: Dike Chukwumerije
Duration: 2hrs
THE SIMPLY POETRY CHRISTMAS SHOW
The Simply Poetry Christmas Show is a Christmas-themed show organised in Abuja for the first time in December 2018. It is an evening of carols, drama, dance, and poetry that brings together a cast and crew of over 40 performers and technicians, including thespians, dancers, poets and singers to create a magical show.
Directed by: Dike Chukwumerije
Duration: 2 hrs
NAM
NAM is an experimental dance production created in 2023. It seamlessly integrates multi-media, music, movement, dialogue, drama and mime to tell the story of an artist’s journey from being an entertainment-focused creative to being a socially conscious one. The production integrates important themes about life, love and purpose, using dance as its primary tool for storytelling.
Written by: Isaac Ulaka Ajiga and Dike Chukwumerije
Directed by: Dike Chukwumerije
Duration: 40 mins