Easter with enthralling theatre

From visual art, dance, music, to theatre performances, there are many exciting engagements with the arts this Easter.

But if you love live performances, especially stage plays, there are some enthralling theatrical performances to see across the country, which celebrate Nigeria’s culture, history and faith.
Below are top among them, in no particular order:

‘Dis-Loyal Judas’:

From April 3-4, 2026, ‘Dis-Loyal Judas’, an exciting opera of faith, betrayal, destiny and redemption, will stage at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts (formerly National Theatre), Iganmu, Lagos.

The production is staged by Crown Troupe of Africa, in collaboration with the National Theatre, and features a Segun Adefila-led troupe comprising a 40-person group of instrumentalists, singers and dancers.

Written and directed by Adefila, ‘Dis-Loyal Judas’ centres on the Biblical story of Judas and Jesus, which offers a powerful window through which to examine the place of choice in destiny. Can destiny be altered? Can it be changed through human action?

Through a medley of powerful music, intricate choreography and compelling performances, ‘Dis-Loyal Judas’ will provide answers to these questions, but presented as a total theatre package for the season. It will be an open-air performance on the lawns of the newly refurbished theatre, which will transform into an Easter Village for the production.

Commenting on the production, Adefila said the Crown Troupe loves “telling intriguing stories that question the answers we think we already know. One such question is humanity’s seeming helplessness in the face of fate’s determined hand. This Easter, we explore human relationships, the choices we make, and the destinies they shape.

“If Judas had chosen differently, would it have altered the fate of the Saviour? If Judas had resisted material temptation—just as Jesus did after fasting for 40 days and nights in the Judaean Desert—what might have been the fate of the world? Through a rich juxtaposition of diverse musical genres, we invite you on a musical and dance odyssey. Together, we will uncover layers of meaning while sharing in an experience designed to move, question, and inspire,” Adefila urged.

The opera, according to the writer, uniquely introduces a contemporary twist by incorporating modern elements and themes that will resonate with today’s audience. He said it will transport the audience to a world where ancient history meets contemporary relevance, tradition meets innovation, and the familiar becomes extraordinary.

“Dis_Loyal Judas reimagines the age-old tale of betrayal and redemption in a fresh and captivating way. The opera follows the journey of Judas Iscariot, a figure often vilified in traditional narratives. However, this opera delves deeper into Judas’ character, exploring the complexities of his motives and the internal conflicts he faced as well as his inner turmoil as he grapples with his decisions,” he said.

‘Dear Twenty Somethings’:
Dami’s story

Another enthralling drama piece this Easter is ‘Dear Twenty Somethings’ by Bolanle Austen-Peters Production (BAP).

The theatrical production, which staged earlier last month, is offering a refreshed Easter edition on April 3, 4, 5 and 6 at Terra Kulture Lawn, Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos with 3pm and 7pm time slots each day.

‘Dear Twenty Somethings’, BAP’s first-ever interactive theatre performance, is a bold and immersive stage experience, directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, which goes beyond traditional storytelling. It invites you into the heart and mind of Dami — a young woman navigating ambition, love, pressure, expectations, and the quiet fears that come with becoming an adult.

This is not just a story for people in their twenties. It is for anyone who has ever questioned their path, felt the weight of “what is next?”, or wondered who they truly are beneath the noise. Through interactive moments and powerful performances, the audience becomes part of the journey — influencing perspectives, challenging choices, and experiencing the emotional highs and lows alongside Dami.
When the game stops and reality begins, who does Dami become? Is she who the world expects her to be?

Or who she chooses to be?

Set in an intimate outdoor lawn setting, this production blends drama, vulnerability, humor, and reflection into an unforgettable theatrical experience. It’s relatable, thought-provoking, and deeply human — a mirror held up to a generation and to everyone who has ever had to grow through uncertainty.

‘Dora’:

Dora is one of the plays in Duke of Shomolu Foundation’s 2026 theatre season titled ‘Powerfully Unapologetic’. It is written and directed by Dr. Toyin Bifarin Ogundeji and stages this Easter from April 3-4, 2026 at Agip Recital Hall MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
The drama is among the six major stage productions written and directed exclusively by women and drawn from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

The Duke of Shomolu Foundation has announced its 2026 theatre season titled Powerfully Unapologetic, a landmark cultural initiative comprising six major stage productions written and directed exclusively by women and drawn from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

With over 70 percent female cast and crew, Dora is a deliberate celebration of female creative authority, leadership, and storytelling power within Nigerian theatre.

‘Dora’ tells the story of Professor Dora Nkem Akunyili, former director-general of NAFDAC and former Minister of Information, highlighting her educational journey, regulatory battles, and national service during a critical period in Nigeria’s history.

‘Kokoro’

Also from the stable of the Duke of Shomolu Foundation comes ‘Kokoro’, another theatrical masterpiece.

‘Kokoro the Blind Minstrel’ is written and directed by Dr. Abiola Adumati and it stages this Easter on April 5 and 6 at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

Speaking on ‘Kokoro’, Mofoluwake Edgar, MD/CEO of the Duke of Shomolu Foundation, said that the play reflects a distinct cultural, historical, and social narrative, collectively showcasing the depth and diversity of Nigerian women’s voices across regions and disciplines.

“This season is intentional. It is about visibility, voice, and validation. Nigerian women have always told powerful stories — this time, they are doing so unapologetically, from the centre of the stage,” she said, while urging theatre lovers and the general public to visit the venues to see and enjoy the plays.

Beyond Lagos, there are stage plays in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Enugu and Ibadan this Easter.

From Silverbird Galleria Abuja, Marina in Calabar, Okpara Square in Enugu to others, there are enough to relax and cool off the heat this Easter.
Enjoy!