The latest edition of TALP X, the quarterly showcase by Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA), captivated audiences with a powerful blend of theatre, music, and social commentary at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
From 2 pm to 5 pm, attendees were treated to four thought-provoking and genre-blending productions created and performed by TAFTA trainees, reinforcing the platform's reputation as a vital space for emerging creative voices in Nigeria.
Standout Performances
Among the highlights was "Gbas Gbos," a laugh-out-loud family drama that cleverly explored the ripple effects of a heated domestic dispute while sparking conversations about culture, relationships, and personal responsibility.
"You Say!" lightened the atmosphere with its feel-good fusion of live music and stand-up comedy, having the audience clapping and laughing as relatable stories were delivered with charm and wit.
In contrast, "Endgame" offered a gripping and emotional exploration of toxic relationships and their lasting impact, serving as a sobering reminder of the importance of self-worth and boundaries.
The showcase concluded with "Jigida," a striking socio-political drama challenging patriarchal traditions and highlighting the power of collective resistance, as audiences watched a community of women turn the tables on a broken system.
Impact and Reactions
Reflecting on the experience, TAFTA brand Ambassador Bamike Olawunmi-Adenibuyan, media personality and actress, said: "I learnt a lot. I was entertained, it was educative and I will do it again. Shout out to TAFTA and BAP."
Mr. JO Umoibom, Academy Lead at TAFTA, emphasized the showcase's importance to their mission: "At Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA), we believe that when we train our participants, we give them this opportunity to practice what they have learnt. From learnings and rehearsals to today, they are performing on the biggest theater stage in Nigeria."
About TAFTA and TALP
TAFTA, an initiative of multiple award-winning theatre and film director Bolanle Austen-Peters, is a creative learning institution offering free world-class training in scriptwriting, sound design, lighting design, animation, art business, and entrepreneurship. Through digital and in-person instruction, it equips young Nigerians with skills, tools, and mentorship needed to thrive in the creative industry.
As part of TAFTA's hands-on learning approach, participants who complete their training are grouped into production teams to collaboratively develop and stage original plays. TALP (TAFTA Action Learning Project) represents the culmination of this journey—transforming learning into compelling theatrical experiences.
Produced in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, TALP X continues to serve as an experiential platform showcasing the remarkable talent, creativity, and growth of young Nigerian creatives. With a sold-out show, the July edition was a resounding success and a clear reflection of the future of African storytelling—vibrant, fearless, and deeply resonant.
For more information, interested individuals can contact [email protected] or follow TAFTA on social media.
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