By Prisca Sam-Duru

Ola Rotimi’s The gods are not to blame was re-enacted recently by the Drama Club of The Atlantic Hall Schools, Poka, Epe, at the Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan Lagos. The choice of The gods Are not to Blame for this year’s edition of the annual play of the school was based on its richness in the culture and traditions of the Yorubas.

Moreover, the play is loaded with values and lessons for both the young and old. The school’s annual play has become an important extra-curricular activity, vital for the preservation of the country’s endangered cultural heritage. The drama club had in the past staged works like King Emene by Zulu Sofola, Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, and others.

Set in Kutuje, a Yoruba land, Ola Rotimi’s The gods are not to blame, a 1968 adaptation of the Greek classic, Oedipus Rex, was rewritten by Ima Abasi and produced and directed by Mr Gboyega Jerome. It narrates the dramatic fate of Odewale, a child born with an unfortunate destiny from which he tries to escape. At birth, Odewale’s parents, King Adetusa and Queen Ojuola, are told by the Ogun Priest that Odewale would kill his father and marry his mother. Their joy of bringing a child to the world turns sour.

To escape this destiny, a messenger, Gbonka, is instructed to kill Odewale. Rather than heed the instructions of the gods, Gbonka finds foster parents for the child without a word to anyone. In an effort to run away from his destiny, Odewale ends up running headlong into the very destiny foretold by the gods – the killing of his father and the marrying of his mother.

The stage, designed with Yoruba artifacts, the Yoruba tribal marks on the actors’ faces, and the beautiful traditional costumes, made the play so real. The scintillating dance steps by traditional dancers and drum beats, also spiced up the play.

The Producer and Artistic Director of the play, Mr Gboyega Jerome, said the choice of The gods Are not to Blame was according to the parents’ demand. “They must have asked for it because of the richness of the play in terms of culture as well as lessons both the children and adults draw from it. It’s also because it is a recommended text in the school. It was also not easy managing a cast made up of 98 young actors. But I’m grateful to God that it all turned out well.”