By JAPHET ALAKAM
In this season of love, one thing that is very vital is for all to imbibe the spirit of love and forgiveness as shown by God through the gift of his son, Jesus Christ whom the world is celebrating and also for the exemplary character shown by Nelson Mandela who suffered for his people and had the opportunity to be a leader but choose to love and forgive even those that put him in jail.

It was in that same spirit that the National Troupe of Nigeria in rounding off this year’s traditional season of plays, presented a superlative command performance of the Stage Play titled; One Legend, Many Seasons, at the Cinema Hall 2 of the National Theatre, Iganmu Lagos.

The play which is a stage creation based on Charles Dicken’s  A Christmas Carol was written by Femi Osofisan and directed by Josephine Igberaese with technical support from Teju Kareem (Zmirage) and Biodun Abe.
One Legend, Many Seasons is a comedy that tells story of a mean spirited and miserly wealthy man named Arowolodu, who is supposed to use his wealth to help others but refuses to do so.

The play takes a hilarious look at the human character. It plays on the intricacies of self centeredness and explores the Biblical teaching of helping the needy.
Featuring a cast of popular artistes such as Albert Akaeze (as narrator), Muyiwa Odukale, (as Arowolodu), Taiwo Adeyemo (as Orekelewa/Iya Roli), Ebi Pre-Bai (as Pa Olasore) and others, they were able to deliver throughout the duration of the play.

The drama was spiced with Christmas songs and good story telling technique which conveyed the theme of the performance in line with the story line.
With a house, bedroom, tables and chairs that served as the prop, fused with good make-up and costume to suit the season, the play opens with a Christmas song that ushered in Arowolodu and his nephew that paid him a Christmas visit.

Although, Arowolodu is very wealthy, he just does not see any sense in helping others, as he has no regard for the spirit of Christmas.

He lives his life like that,  subjecting people working with him to untold hardship, looking down on poor people and making sure he did not assist any one. In an attempt not to regret his life after death, the ghost of his dead partner, Makon, appears to warn him against his greedy and self-serving lifestyle. He promises him the visitation of three spirits( The Spirit of Christmas past- Osetura, The Spirit of Christmas Present- Orekelewa and The Spirit of Christmas yet to come- Orisanla).

The Spirits visits him and takes him through different journeys of his past, present and future, in the course of the visits fear comes on Arowolodu who implores the Spirits to alter his fate, promising to change from his greedy ways. And after that, there was a great transformation on the part of Arowolodu.

Tourism, Culture and National Orientation Minister, Edem Duke who watched the play urged all to learn from the lessons of the play, “love our family and nation, love our neighbours as our selves.”
He urged theatre practitioners not to be weary but should continue in their job as the lesson of theatre must be the sustenance of our nation.

In attendance were; Ishaya Markus,Chairman governing board of National theatre/National troupe of Nigeria, Chief  Martins Adaji, Artistic Director National troupe; Sir Peter Badejo; Engr. S.O. Uwaifo; Prof. Ahmed Yerima, Dr Mike Ileka; Francis Onwuche and others.