For the all Nigerian cast and crew of the Lufodo Productions’ musical, Heartbeat, it is a new beginning as they are poised to set a new record in stage productions in Nigeria.
While acknowledging the challenges that came with producing the critically acclaimed show, producer Joke Silva explained: “Even though, we want to set a new record, in the global scheme of things, 24 shows aren’t really a big deal. There are shows like The Lion King that have continued to run for decades. We have challenged ourselves with this production and it is my desire that Heartbeat will be staged for another 20 years.”
For lead actor, Femi Jacobs, his character in Heartbeat has given him the biggest emotional connection in his career so far. “While listening to the sheer magnificence that was put into this show, I suddenly started to cry backstage the other day,” he revealed. “This has been an incredibly humbling and uplifting experience for me working with this team.”
The director of the play, Najite Dede, said: “Assembling the incredible team we have now was honestly the hardest part of the job. We are very proud of the team we have put together and the way we tell the story of the cosmopolitanism of Lagos!”
Writer and composer, Tosin Otudeko revealed that the labour of love that was Heartbeat was conceptualised 12 years ago after which she brought music producer, Efosa Lawal in.
She further revealed the meaning behind the show. “Heartbeat is basically a description of the time God gives us here on earth and how we must use it because it’s very limited. Once our heartbeat stops, that’s the end of our life as we know it.”
The show runs throughout the year at Agip Recital Hall. Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos while the command performance takes place on December 17 and 18 respectively by 7pm.
The play is anchored on Grace House, a prominent place of abode for the homeless. Grace House finds itself in the middle of a battle between warring forces within their local government area while preparing for their 25th anniversary. Caught between personal and political conflicts, the residents (each with their own share of secrets, fears and flaws) must come together to save the only place they can truly call their own
The play explores love, hate, betrayal, family, identity, politics, homelessness and social justice through the characters who converge in and around Grace House in search of refuge and atonement. The play focuses on Lagos which is the heartbeat of Nigeria. It’s about relationships, the heartbeat of love, and it’s about hope, the heartbeat of life.
The play is infused with various genres of music such as classical, African contemporary (Afro-pop), African highlife, musical poetry and the traditional musical theatre style, (all original music).
Heartbeat is produced by the duo of Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva’s Lufodo Productions.