By Sewe Ishola,

Our latest cover girl and artist, Ifeoma Fafunwa  has been invited again to the esteemed American Repertory Theatre at Harvard University Cambridge to show her legendary stage play, Hear Word!  starting this month.

Ifeoma Fafunwa

Speaking with Allure Vanguard, the iOpenEye Ltd founder revealed, it was simply fortunate that the theatre group was invited to show again at the theatre in Harvard University.

“We are fortunate to be featured on a main stage American theatre like the American Repertory Theatre and for 22 shows back-to-back.” She said. “Here’s where I pitch my tent from January 26 until February 11, 2018!  It is brilliant for iOpenEye Ltd, for the actresses, for Nigerian women, for Nigeria and me!”

Fafunwa however wondered about the reception they would get from the American audience, who may not be able to understand the Nigerian nuances that are an inherent part of the play.

“Now, if I think about the American audiences, I believe that even if they do not get the nuances and subtext, they will connect with the universal story of women; at this time, when there is a rise in intolerance and pervasive discussions of gender inequality, they will appreciate a diverse cultural experience and be moved by the professionalism and commitment from these ten incredible Nigerian actresses which include the likes of Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Bimbo Akintola and Joke Silva.”

Other actors include Ufuoma McDermott, Elvina Ibru, Odenike, Rita Edward, Omonor, Zara Udofia-Ejoh, Debbie Ohiri and more.
The Hear Word! director hope the word gets out “to Africans and African-Americans in the greater Boston area.”

Hear Word! is inspired by multi-generational Nigerian stories of inequality and transformation. “Hear Word! celebrates the powerful voices of Nigerian women.”

The dance and performance piece, which debuted at the Harvard Dance Center in 2016, is created and directed by Fafunwa.