Jos, Nigeria – The Jos Repertory Theatre (JRT) is teaming up with a unique theatrical duo to bring a fresh perspective to the works of Henrik Ibsen. On April 15th, audiences can witness the Nigerian premiere of “Cripplewolf,” a pidgin adaptation of Ibsen’s classic play “Little Eyolf.”
This innovative production features British actress Kate Pendry and Norwegian performer Audun Aschim. Their collaboration pushes boundaries, offering a nuanced and complex interpretation of the female characters, breaking away from traditional readings of Ibsen’s work.
“Cripplewolf” delves into themes highly relevant to contemporary Nigerian society, exploring friendship, family dynamics, conflict, and societal pressures. But the collaboration doesn’t stop at the April 15th performance.
Pendry and Aschim will also lead a week-long workshop with JRT actors. This intensive program focuses on adapting Ibsen’s “The Master Builder” and “Ghosts” into pidgin English. These adapted plays will culminate in command performances at the 2025 Jos International Festival of Theatre.
The workshop promises a vibrant blend of artistic expression. Expect a fusion of scripted and improvised music and text, with Pendry’s voice acting as an additional instrument and Aschim’s guitar providing a filmic soundscape.
The project doesn’t end on stage. Plans are in motion to create studio recordings of the pidgin adaptations, making them even more accessible to the Nigerian public before the 2025 festival. This combination of workshops, performances, and recordings aims to lay the groundwork for a groundbreaking production titled “Raise Am!” – a unique blend of Nigerian, Norwegian, and British theatrical traditions, infused with the spirit of Ibsen.
“We’re excited to see how Ibsen’s works resonate and translate into a pidgin English setting,” said Dr. Patrick Jude-Oteh, Director of JRT and the Jos International Festival of Theatre. “This workshop will be a crucial step in shaping what promises to be a truly unforgettable theatrical experience.”