RE; GREEN SHIFT! FEMI FANI KAYODE (FFK) AND PRECIOUS SNOW WHITE CHIKWENDU!

By Bishop Dr Joseph Ighalo Edoro

Dear Dr Bolaji, let me congratulate you on the success of your Green Shift programme. It was huge. I have been reading on social media about the fact that one of your speakers was barred from speaking about certain areas of experience, that she had garnered over time. I know it was worrisome to you.

Bishop Dr Joseph Ighalo

Our repository in terms of life's adaptations must be borne out of our varied experiences as we sojourn on this earth, so filled with unpredictability, exigencies and contingencies. Man is nothing but a vapour you know! True, yet so infinitesimal an assertion.

Having said that let me begin to point out my observations, please. Now if I please or tease, posterity will question me. I saw the injunction by one magistrate Njideka Duru of the same extraction with Snow White. Yes, that's just by the way. Justice respects no creed, race or colour. Except when it is lost in the street, then it restrains equity from entering.

The injunction was worrisome. Yes, in the sense that it seemed Draconian. Like I said before, our experiences in life is the warehouse we draw from to do life's adaptations. Why will the justice system of Nigeria do that? Upon what premise, please? Upon what judicial well of precedence did NJIDEKA DURU draw from? That's okay. I love our judiciary. There are checks and balances. The NJC is ever capable. It will draw from a well of justice.

Ok, let's move on...by the way that injunction was from FFK, most respected and revered. I make bold to say that FFK always gave me hope about Nigeria. For me, he was my fighter. Yes, he was! I lost faith in the hobnobbing with the very enemies of ours. Enemies not like sworn per se, but ideological enemies! Yes, so he began pussyfooting in the corridors of justice. This was not okay for me. Though I believe men miss it sometimes in life. But I don't believe in regrets. I don't regret it. I take responsibility. Regrets take me backwards and I believe that he fell into the political compliments of a selected few. It’s a game plan well concocted against an individual. Deliberate planned and sustained. Then it turns out as an unmarked grave...men fall in no matter their status not knowing. Would I still believe FFK? YES! Though he seemed to be relatively withdrawn from the media and he is as calm as a cucumber, I believe that soon he will be back with venom.

Good! Having said that, I need you to understand the state of a man's mind. The Freudian theory of Psychoanalysis will do us good. The reason for our behaviours. FFK must have reasons for his behaviour. You should ask and say what is it that is making a man so bitter towards a woman to the point he is instituting cases everywhere against her to the point where he now wants to stifle her speech? Why would a man who has been blessed by a woman with four male kids if I am correct? If wrong, correct me, please. Why? Qui Bono? What's going on? Well, he knows better. Yet the deepest darkness of wrong in family life will bow at the feet of children! Once children are involved then it takes a dimension so different.

Femi Fani-Kayode & Precious Chikwendu

I am trying to be as simple as my mental faculties may carry me, so you guys should pardon me. When the bottom of marriage has dropped, when prevailing circumstances make it irretrievable then it is dissolved! Yet we still try until a decree nisi! Now even at that, peace should reign! Assuming the marriage was dissolved by way of infidelity, peace should still reign between parties though apart. Do you know why? Children are involved.

My experience was a tortuous one before my divorce. Those who know me will tell you. She had abandoned the kids. Prodigality was her game. She hated my poverty even when I worshipped her! Hmmm! So she left. When she did, I got blessed. My life changed and all the money she would have needed I now had! Alas, I met her at a function and my heart melted at her condition. Therefore, within the crevices of my heart, I erased her wickedness and blessed her with six digits of naira! Do you know why? Because she had children for me. Lovely kids. I am grateful to her. When my kids heard what I did, they loved me more! My case may not tally with FFK yet we can draw out from this warehouse of experience.

So you can see that FFK as a human being has a lot to think about, yet it should not be detrimental to the core values of family life, where kids are involved. No matter what, restraint should apply.

What will FFK gain in the death of SNOW WHITE CHIKWENDO? Where is the love that was pronounced and performed before? Hmmm! Now I can imagine what she must be going through emotionally. She is fighting depression; her right to life is stuffed by fear, with the level of damage done by way of social media. How can she be free again? Then I ask what if this little girl slumps and dies, what will the children say? Precious is a child of destiny! She is hewed for a greater tomorrow! Tomorrow is very pregnant. Caution!

The Green Shift was a platform for her to showcase her talent, and she did awesomely well; articulate and precise. She toggled from mainstream politics to church negligence of political education. She roared like the lioness that she is. She scored a bull's eye!

But why will FFK marry Snow White? One reason is that she is brilliant. After her delivery, I approached her robustly. We had a jaw-jaw that stunned me! Beauty and brains! Yes, she is got it! Only such can be FFK SPEC! So why will he not let her shine? Why? Oh yeah, he wants to protect the kids from her verbal venom may be at the conference bah? But that didn't need an injunction. I believe FFK would have put a call to BA and humbly ask for directions she should go with her presentation.

All these flexings of muscles were of no relevance. Men ought not to flex their muscles in pride and arrogance. Men ought not to use their God's given power to oppress the poor. After all, it still happened that way. Men must live to make men heave a sigh by their understanding of what life is about. In life, you are up today and by tomorrow you are down. Let me borrow from an Igbo former administrator of the East Central State, UKPABI ASIKA! For him 'NO CONDITION IS PERMANENT.'

This is where BA is not happy! Precious Chikwendu is an orphan like I found out. That begs for sympathy. She should have her freedom. When men begin to decay they will not remember anything! Their lives are filled with REGRETS. God made it so unto all men. A man like I said is a vapour! Think!

Precious must be allowed to live her dreams. She is a young woman who must not be marginalized! When there is too much dirt in the soup the blind man will see it. So many people are fanning the embers of this and it should stop. Refrain from anger and give peace a chance.

For BA it is your duty to, no matter how hurt FFK is over this SNOW that is WHITE calm him down. THE SNOW WHITE I met is beyond comprehension! Within the labyrinth of a few studs, she excelled as a woman of substance. It is time to put back our swords. Let hate be destroyed and let love reign. I yearn, for the day when the world will wake up and hear FFK say.. "Hey look guys come! SNOW WHITE, I no longer will beat you up with court cases. No! Today I set you free! Because I love my kids."

Bishop Dr Joseph Ighalo

Animosity should be extinct where love rules! Precious, I charge you on this to rule over your fears. Let Regina be a peacemaker and keep her home. Restrain politely your husband and lead him to the path of peace!

Let all these fanners of the embers of this occasion stay away! Let FFK say I forgive you mother of my children! Go and sin no more. Would he not be a hero and role model? BA, let's get this out of the media. Only foolish people discuss their personal lives on social media. 

I heard you are writing a book. Books are good but this time I will instruct you to refrain. Suspend the book as a token of your usual respect for me! We will get past this one soon! Follow peace with all men. Follow peace with FFK.

Follow peace with PRECIOUS

Follow peace with Regina FFK

BISHOP DR JOSEPH IGHALO EDORO

Nigerians and Christians Must contribute to the growth of the country- Dr. Bolaji Akinyemi

A non-denominational Christian body, Voice Of His Word Ministry, has charged Nigerian Christians to do more than just praying in churches for the country, but to participate in building the country and making it great.

This charge was given by the body on Monday, when they held a press conference in Lagos, to create awareness for their forthcoming sensitization programmme the Apostolic Round Table, with the theme, GREEN SHIFT, which has to do with Ideas, Policies And Transformation.

Speaking to reporters, the convener of the event, Dr Bolaji Akinyemi, explained why he took it upon himself to organize such an important program, especially at this period when Nigeria is going through challenging times.

"As a concerned Nigerian and Christian, I am worried about the direction the country is going. That is why my team and I are organizing a sensitization programme to explain to Nigerians and Christians, why they need to do more to contribute to the growth of the country. This is the third time we will be organizing a thing like this, and all we just want is for people to know how important they are to nation-building. We have great speakers coming to talk that day. And we are sure Nigerians will benefit from this." He began.

(l-r) Dr. Joe Ighalo, Dr. Bolaji Akinyemi & Mrs. Joy Akinyemi

Great nations are birthed through ideas and are consequently transformed into them through policies and pursuit, Akinyemi said. "If you look at Dubai today, you will think they just blossomed! No, they had planned several years ago to get them to where they are currently. Nigeria should emulate Dubai, we can start by putting in place, an 100 years plan, that is how we wish the country to be in 100 years' time." He concluded.

This year's edition according to the organizers, will feature award ceremonies and an award will be given to the Governor of Gombe state, for his amorous relationship with Christians and for how he has administered the affairs of Gombe state.

The event, which is not sponsored by any politician or political body, is scheduled to hold on Thursday, at the Neca House Auditorium, by African shrine, Hakem Balogun Way, CBD Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

(l-r) Mr. Abayomi Daniel Agbede, Dr. Bolaji Akinyemi & Mrs. Joy Akinyemi

Among those expected to talk at the Apostolic Round Table, are Dr Bolaji O. Akinyemi, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, Precious Chikwendu, Olusegun Osilowo, amongst others. ART Conference the year will be chaired by Amb. Steven Baba Bangoji, BOT Chairman, Southern Kaduna People's Union who is also the President of Congress of Northern Nigeria Christians.

Culled from the Vanguard.

Collision Course: A Movie Review By Chris Iheuwa

I had registered for one of the foremost film festivals in Africa, African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) to celebrate its 10th year festival anniversary, and was glad to receive a 'Special Invitation' to see the festival closing film, 'Collision Course,' directed by a lawyer turned theatre and movie guru, Bolanle Austen-Peters (BAP), and produced by Joseph Umoibom and James Amuta at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos state.

At the entry, I was forced stopped by an obese, arrogant, yet stern-looking gatekeeper. His white 'buba and sokoto' didn't do credit to his serious and uncompromising attempt, particularly in asserting power and enforcing discipline, nor to his impression of carrying out his orders of 'No IV, No Entry.'

I ordinarily wouldn't have noticed, but three or more people waltzed in as if they owned the place, or even the event, rather than Chioma Ude, the convener, and he made no attempt to stop them. I couldn't figure out why this had happened. It was certainly not humorous to me. He finally let me in after insisting on vetting my IV, which he did reluctantly.

"Kim fi oruko bo la siri," as Yorubas would say. To avoid embarrassment, I'll keep his identity hidden. We sat down, and Lala Akindoju, the ever delectable, kicked things off by outlining the customary housekeeping regulations. She introduced the exquisite BAP as one of her close friends and coworkers not long after. BAP, who was dressed in a red gown and had a well-kept hairstyle, gave us a rundown of what to expect and gently recommended we relax and appreciate the unexpected.

After a few seconds of technical difficulties, the movie began. I have to admit that I am a little biased when it comes to the film 'Collision Course,' because it touched two nerves in me that caused me to become really agitated. First and foremost, I am a professionally trained actor/director, as well as a trained Supernumerary Police Officer- ‘you gerrit, if you don't gerrit, forget about it. So the presentation was anticipated, but in all honesty, it was the anticipation of what our sister lawyer turned movie director had to offer. No pun intended.

‘Collision Course’ was inspired by the #Endsars demonstration on October 20, 2020, which shook the Nigerian fabric. The purpose of the protest was to petition the authorities about alleged heinous crimes and extrajudicial killings perpetrated by the Special Anti Robbery Squad, (SARS), a unit of the Nigerian Police in charge of detecting, investigating, stopping, and stamping out armed robbery and related crimes.

The movie has a main plot and several subplots that intertwine to give us a potpourri or variants of life. The rich and the poor, the Government Reserved and Respected Area, and The Government Rejected Area, conflict of privileged parents and the perpetual war with their misunderstood children, The Government and the governed, and of course, the Police and the civilian populace as personified by Corporal Magnus and Mide Johnson played by Daniel Etim Effiong, who played the role of the overseas trained Lawyer turned struggling musician and his insecure wife wannabe pregnant girlfriend Hannah played by Big Brothers’ Bamike 'BamBam’ Adenibuyon.

Bolanle Austen-Peters (Director)

Temi had an encounter with TARS men (for the purposes of the film, SARS was renamed TARS) that left a perpetual scar on him and affect his respect for the men in black. He had seen firsthand how extrajudicial killings are carried out and how innocent individuals are literarily wasted for failing to pay their way out of the clutches of TARS troops who had scented and tasted blood.

 

This occurrence served as a preface to the film, and it is from this prelude that the rest of the film takes shape. The film begins with the beautiful Chioma Akpotha, who plays Corporal Magnus' wife, played by Kelechi Udegbe (in case you didn't know, Udegbe means "gun sound" in Igbo) scolding her husband for not taking care of the family and threatening to leave her matrimonial home for her father's home with her children. He assures her that he will join TARS and make money, but his wife mocks him, claiming that he is lily-livered and incapable of killing a cockroach.

Daniel Effiong

Now, what I like about the opening sequence, which was relatively captured by the writer James Amuta, and executed by the director, is the reality that stares us in the face, and just like the actors portrayed, the Police, who are grossly underfunded and poorly cared for, their remuneration is not in the least commensurate with the reality on the ground. I'll leave what I don't like for now till later, please excuse my grammar.

 

Corporal Magnus rides to work on a bike that was seized and was in the possession of a colleague who, as another rank police officer, is also dealing with challenges. They bemoan the occupational hazards they face, and their conversation leads to Magnus deciding to visit the TARS Commander, played by Greg Ojefua.

 

The Commander, or BOSS, as he prefers to be referred, is a quintessential example of a bad apple in any organization, be it police, military, or civil service, not to mention the private sector. A case of utilising what you have to get what you need, no matter whose ox is gored. The Boss informs him that his application to be transferred to TARS is complete, but that in order to demonstrate his commitment to the system, his (Magnus) wife must come to collect the transfer signal from the Boss. Of course, that gesture will have far-reaching repercussions for everyone involved.

Chioma Akpotha

While at work, Corporal Magnus receives a call from his wife informing him that she has carried out her threat of moving out of their matrimonial home and into her parents' home. This piece of news has a negative impact on Corporal Magnus as he begins to forcefully collect stipends from motorists, an act that, prior to receiving the phone call, was a case of the motorists not being corporative or generous in his opinion.

 

One of the few cars he stopped for the usual was sadly driven by Johnson, who was already upset over being cheated by a club manager who didn't think he had what it took to be a trendy and youth-centric dance floor musical artist, his father for not understanding his passion lies in music and not law practises, and of course, the ever reoccurring image of the executed civilians by the lagoon by TARS team members. The double-nuzzled shotgun was sure to go off, shattering the delicate and glass-like stillness in numerous directions.

 

Refusing to pay the 'bribe,' Johnson asks his girlfriend and their friend to drive him home in a hired taxi while he is held hostage on a drive. It is during this forced drive that the Policeman and Civilian realise that they are both victims of bad society, a society where the upper echelon of society cares less about the less fortunate part of society, a society where a Policeman has no insurance and must pay for his own injuries.  It is spent before it reaches the beneficiary's account, resulting in a disastrous society in which 10% of the population controls 90% of the Commonwealth of a people. The relative serenity and some worth friendly resolution are shattered by the thunderous sound of a recoiled chamber and the wayward life arm that has left its now revolving shell casing into Johnson's torso.

Gregory Ojefua

In a panic, Corporal Magnus calls The Boss, who sets up an armed robbery with a gun gone the wrong scenario, while Bambam, who is pregnant, reports to the DPO, played by Norbert Young, with her friend Nneka, played by Ade Laoye. The DPO dispatches his officers to the crime scene, where Corporal Magnus is caught.

 

Without a doubt, this is a sad tale, but it is a glance into the ever-revolving black door that exposes and reveals the unfortunate situations and occurring that abound in our society and beyond.

 

A year or so ago, George Floyd was murdered primarily because of the colour of his skin, an Indian Hindu family was apprehended in England for masterminding the gruesome murder of their only daughter because she wanted to marry someone who was not acceptable to their family, and xenophobic attacks in South Africa are still fresh in our minds. Unfortunately, it is the culture in which we live, and every society has its peculiarities.

I must applaud Austen-Peters for broadening the scope of the topic of police brutality. Several shows and films would linger on how the police did this or that without delving into the causes of such acts, yet we cannot state that underfunding is an excuse for such behaviour.

We can't stress the importance of police welfare enough. These men and women have needs, as well as families and homes to care for. The government must ensure that an enabling environment and tools of service are readily available and not out of reach of non-gazetted personnel; and those non-commissioned officers are not forced to sit and watch junior colleagues with similar attributes, qualifications, and pieces of training climb the promotion ladder at their expense.

 

Before I start sounding like an armchair critic, let me say that I admire and applaud the casting. Kelechi Udegbe's portrayal of the role was right on, and it's no surprise that he carted home the festival's most coveted prize, 'Best Male Actor.' Aside from the casting, accolades should also be given to the location manager, technical team, and set and property crew.

Even though the sound wasn't emanating from there, I didn't have to squint or get close to the cyclorama to hear the voices. The camera work was likewise excellent, and I must pay shining respect to BAP for these aspects. My concern, on the other hand, is with two units: the Costume and Continuity departments. When commencing on a project of this magnitude, it is necessary that each unit conduct a thorough study in their respective departments.

 

The Police Uniforms were woefully insufficient in terms of form, presentation, and appearance. If we had chosen to wear any adornment instead of the eagle, elephant, and two crossed batons, I could have missed the severe error. But, despite the fact that this is a creative process, as Aristotle stated, "Art is a Collaborative process," the elephant, eagle, and two crossed batons are the symbol of the Nigerian Police. 

Bimbo Manuel

The DPO's uniform, worn by Norbert Young, should have been tucked in because it lacked the two bottom pockets. Magnus should have only two buttons on his shirt as a Corporal, and his name and file number should be plainly written on his clothing. All military and paramilitary crests or cap badges are worn to the left in Nigeria, with the cap twisted to the right. Any non-civilian personnel seeing Corporal Magnus wearing the cap bent to the left will have a fit, just like I did. I suppose the message is clear: his handling of the firearm, indeed the handling of the rifle by all those involved reeked of ignorance.

BamBam's seat belt was frequently off and on during their journey from the Island to the Mainland, which the script supervisor/editor should have seen. This should be double-checked because such a glaring continuity issue in such a big movie was embarrassing.

Yes, before I forget, newly deceased bodies tend to sink and only rise once rigour Mortis sets in and the major stage of internal organ and tissue breakdown begins. Police officers and medical pathologists should be contacted before proceeding with any police-related endeavour; I didn't even see a Nigerian flag.

 

Bimbo Manuel, Kenneth Okonkwo, and other actors who demonstrated genius must be mentioned and commended. Thank you, BAP, for a worthwhile piece of work; I greatly enjoyed myself and look forward to knocking on your door again in future to see another masterpiece. Eku ise oooooh.

Chris Iheuwa writes from Lagos.

Chris Iheuwa

Cyril Odenigbo's Female Mutilation Film, Break The Blade Hits Cinema

After months of filming and distributing attention-grabbing teasers on social media, Nollywood director and filmmaker Cyril Odenigbo, the CEO and Creative Director of Magnus Film Academy, will finally premiere his much-anticipated film, 'Break the Blade,' on Sunday, October 17th, 2021.

Cyril Odenigbo

On social media and in the entertainment sector, there are ongoing hypes and promotions. Several actors, including Yul Edochie, Mike Ezuruonye, Chizzy Alichi, Junior Pope, Adaeze Eluke, Jibola Dabo, Klint the Drunk, and Clemson Cornel, are directing their fans and followers to this premiere via extensive social media campaigns.

 

‘Break the Blade’ (BTB), a one hour, thirty minutes suspense-filled African film is a revolutionary cinema feature African film shot in 4.6k resolution for the big screen to tell the untold story of female genital mutilation traditions in Nigeria. The main goal of this historical film, which was co-produced by Magnus Film Academy and Ten Pounds Studio, is to raise awareness about female genital mutilation in African civilization. The private screening of the film, which took place in June 2021, drew the attention of various NGOs and individuals involved in anti-female genital mutilation campaigns.

"The film, which stars Jibola Dabo, Adaeze Eluke, and others, is also being promoted to emphasize the need to raise awareness about the hidden aspects of female genital mutilation, as well as to further educate the public on the other consequences that are likely to result from the archaic practices," says Cyril.

Cyril Odenigbo

According to the film's host, there are more unreported stories regarding female genital mutilation in some African communities that have negative consequences for the victims and their future generations, which the video aims to uncover.

The inaugural premiere of Break the Blade Movie will take place at Diamond Cinema in Spar Enugu Mall on Sunday, October 17th, 2021 at 4:00 pm.

You can get your ticket online or from the designated centres advertised.

 

Francis Duru Goes On Stage With 'Hopes Of The Living Dead'

Talent can win games, but an individual commitment to a project is what makes teamwork and people successful because teamwork and intelligence are the ability to work together toward a common vision.

 

The Imo state born and University of Port Harcourt thespian, Francis Duru is a team player, professionally trained theatre practitioner, actor, master of ceremony, model, director and a true visionary leader who has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He did not set out to be a leader but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent as a good communicator committed to his passion for honesty and integrity.

 

In this interview Perekeme Odon, Francis highlighted his job as the Senior Medical Officer on Ola Rotimi's Hopes Of The Living Dead concert, produced and directed by Ovunda Ihunwo on October 1, 2021, at The Arena, Tombia Street, GRA Phase 2, Port Harcourt.

Francis Duru

PO: When you were younger, did you dream of going on to work in the entertainment industry as an actor?

 

Francis Duru: No

 

PO: Can you tell me what inspired you to pursue acting as a career?

 

Francis Duru: It was a chance/ opportunity waiting for the JAMB result in 1989/90.

 

PO: How long have you been performing as an actor?

 

Francis Duru: Since 1989

 

PO: Where did you get your start?

 

Francis Duru: Port Harcourt: Sette Productions (Pa Paul Worika) and Wizi Travelling Theatre (Professor Innocent Ohiri).

 

PO: What was the first stage/theatre production experience like?

 

Francis Duru: Awesome, tough but joyful.

 

PO: What initially drew you to pursuing a career in acting?

 

Francis Duru: Academics: Got trained academically and got inspired to embark on it professionally.

 

PO: You're in the cast of the play Hopes of the Living Dead. A drama of struggle, which figuratively depicts the diversity of our society as the play's Senior Medical Officer, how well prepared are you?

 

Francis Duru: As ready as now.

Franicis Duru & Charles Inojie

PO: Diction refers to both word choice and vocal expression or enunciation, and sentence structure is an important linguistic component of the playwright's style. It is through this element that a writer's thoughts, sentiments, and emotions are communicated to his audience. How do you intend to accomplish this in a play set in the pre-independence years of 1928-1932, depicting the characters' battle for the right to exist and live in dignity in society?

 

Francis Duru: The actor prepares psychologically, emotionally, physically. The director is a guide, the playwright has given tremendous insight into character delineation, the actor puts all that into place to birth the character. It is an ensemble, collaborative endeavour. Diction, language is a medium through which all these manifest. In-depth collaboration with the director in line with his character mould for the character can place the character within a geographical, socio-cultural context, status, etc. Which determine character portrayal? Diction/speech remains but the logical calculation of the thought of the character is expressed in intelligible language flavoured to suit the status, socio-cultural dimensions of the character. The director and the actors work towards this for the common good of the production.

 

PO: Do you think Ikoli Harcourt Whyte would have realized his potential and been cured if the lepers had not been brought to Uzoakoli?

 

Francis Duru: Multiple dimensions to that, and left to the audience to deduce.

 

PO: What methods would you employ to build a credible character for the Senior Medical Officer of 1928 as a well-trained theatre artist with years of experience and familiarity with the Konstantin Stanislavski acting theory? Are you, on the other hand, learning a brand-new acting method specifically for this project?

 

Francis Duru: Theories are but a guide, there is an unconscious pathway the actor goes through, it does not follow any theoretical framework. As the actor garners more experience, he becomes knowledgeable in character interpretation- thus he remains the chief interpreter and sometimes the tools he uses are wrapped in the mystery of the creative process. Until he deliberately studies his thought processes towards moulding character, he may not decipher which theory he is using, has used, or may use. The ultimate aim for the actor is to mould a believable character and to achieve emotional reality. If all actors deliberately study their thought processes,  we will have theories greater than the Stanislavskis, Messners, you name them and many other great minds. Every acting book is a cumulative documented piece of an actors experience, thus every actor is an acting book that has not been written. Acting is a deep psychological process wrapped in a mystery like Shakespeare would say {“ There is no art to know the minds reconstruction”}.

 

PO: The drama shows what we face on a daily basis. Do you understand that no government has ever kept every promise it has made?

 

Francis Duru: It’s a known fact. Ola Rotimi was a prophet of his time, maybe his bespectacled nature made him see the future with graphic details as in “hopes of the living dead”(On a lighter note).

 

PO: Since Lee Strasberg's method of acting, which draws personal connections from the actor's feelings and experiences to create lifelike and realistic portrayals of the characters by using sensory memory, may not be present in your role in Hopes of the Living Dead, how do you improve your acting skills by using various acting techniques like Meisner's truth-based techniques and Chekhov's psycho-physical techniques?

 

Francis Duru: Study. Every actor is an acting book, every movie an acting class. Evaluating and having critical overviews on actors’ performances local or international, remains a learning process, it also helps me to be a better actor especially as I learn from them. 

 

PO: When working with other actors, actors are required to play roles with precision, flexibility, and strong personal interpretational abilities. What role and actor are you most looking forward to seeing in this play?

 

Francis Duru: I have built myself to  act without inhibitions. Acting is a collaborative art. Professor Emaselu likens it to “ A relay race baton technique” exemplified in the philosophy of the frog in Ola Rotimis Kurumi. “Bumi-Mbuo” “Mbuo- Bumi” “ Give me I take, I take I give you” (paraphrasing). I’m always ready to work with all, irrespective of status, sociological ties, adding value to all. It is a symbiotically- tied experience.

 

PO: Can you tell us about your personal interactions with Prof. Ola Rotimi, the playwright?

 

Francis Duru: He berated me for a big blunder on stage, which bothers on safety for the actor, I took a stupid risk all in the name of improvisation on stage. I cut myself while on stage in the play, (Spokesman for the Oracle Directed by Professor Barclays Ayakoroma Uniport Theatre) he noticed and sent for me at the end of the play, he literally flogged me, I was driven to his house and he gave me a meal of yam and stew with beef and told me something which remains my biggest award as an actor, I have held that and kept it so close to my chest- it has become a guiding principle till today.

 

PO: Talent or training, in your opinion, is more significant for an actor?

 

Francis Duru: Training, training.

Rehearsal Session

PO: As a professional in both fields, how does acting in a film vary from acting in a theatre/stage play?

 

Francis Duru: Define the medium of expression. On stage the medium is manual raw vocals. On Set, vocals are electronically amplified. Theatre requires more physicality, set requires less in delivery and expression, the camera makes it easier for the actor, stage calls for psychological immediacy.

 

PO: How do you rehearse a scene if the other actors with whom you need to engage are not available?

 

Francis Duru: Rehearsals come in different modes, understanding your script, finding the subtext, creating various contextual climes that surround the character and learning your lines are part of the rehearsals. Exchange in dialogue can always be done with standbys, double cast or anyone as may be available it does not pose any problem but there must be that one rehearsal which brings the actors concerned together.

 

PO: How do you respond when you receive a negative performance review?

 

Francis Duru: I look into criticism with objectivity and keep sentiments apart. Probe the criticism and you will find gold in it. Criticism is all part of the mix, I mean constructive criticism, no work of art functions without it, it is in line with ethics and practice.

 

PO: To be successful as an actor, one must have a thorough understanding of the character they are portraying in great detail. What actions do you take to thoroughly comprehend the significance of your character to the story??

 

Francis Duru: Character interpretation is a complex, spontaneous, psychological activity, critical thinking is key, and spontaneity is a constant. I do not have laid down techniques. As the thought process is on course, the memory bank is at work, aspects of imagination, observation, exploration of one’s innermost resources are at play. Critical thinking is on course, when critical thinking is on course, one can now boldly say that critical thinking remains a paradigm for character building and interpretation. (On a lighter note, at least naa this one fit be my own theory. Francis Duru theory on a lighter note aka lol)

Francis Duru

PO: Can you tell me about your most recent stage experience?

 

Francis Duru: “Tony wants to Marry” Drive In Theatre, seamless, cool and enjoyable.

 

PO: How do you combine your professional and personal lives, because I see you living both lives at the same time?

 

Francis Duru: It’s a call to action to do all and apportion appropriate priority to all without hurting the other. Multitasking experience.

 

PO: How do you deal with squabbles between yourself and the directors?

 

Francis Duru: Talk it over, it’s not an ego thing. Diplomacy is key, keep shoulders down, listen to each other, do not talk to show you know or trying to impress, just express towards the concerns of the play. Superior wisdom rules, no one is the sole repository of knowledge. Nothing in life is conclusive.

 

PO: Describe your most difficult theatrical role to date.

 

Francis Duru: 84 years old German, the right part of his body stroke ridden, tobacco-smoking academician, Dr Karl Abrahamzick.  I was in my certificate course in Theatre Arts then, a new undergraduate student doing final year directing project for Dr Dike Nwachukwu with Prof Femi Osofisan as external examiner. Second one is Dr Guinea Byrd; Directed by Dr Carrol Dawes, pray she is still alive, written by Gwyneth Dawes, play titled Guinea Byrd, 1989/90. They all required in-depth characterization that till today, I still can’t fathom how that happened. Then “Sizwe Banzi Is Dead” by Athol Fugard directed by Nwafor Friday.

 

PO: Whom do you regard to be your acting role model, and why do you want to emulate their career?

 

Francis Duru: I do not emulate, I learn from them a lot. Denzel Washington & Alfredo James Pacino are my role models. Joke Silva & RMD - They inspire me and remain human institutions of learning in acting.

 

PO: What was your longest-running stage role?

 

Francis Duru: Dr. Byrd, 3 hours on transverse stage.

 

PO: A message to you fans on what to experience on the performance of the play, Hopes Of The Living Dead.

 

Francis Duru: Have a date with this beautiful piece from the master, it’s a time to cherish, bring the family. Theatre is life, come and have a wonderful experience.