Soyinka’s ‘Brother Jero’ Returns as Opera at Lagos National Theatre

Lovers of theatre, opera, literature and culture are set for another stage adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s classic satire, The Trials of Brother Jero, with the musical production returning to Lagos for an encore performance in October.

The opera, produced by Vesta Orchestra, is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in Iganmu, Lagos, formerly known as the National Arts Theatre. The production follows performances held in May and June.

The programme will begin with a pre-show concert at 4pm featuring four school orchestras, followed by the main opera at 5pm. Organisers describe the event as a family-friendly production that combines theatre, live orchestral music and African musical influences.

The Trials of Brother Jero: The Opera adapts Soyinka’s 1963 satirical play, which centres on Brother Jeroboam, a charismatic self-proclaimed prophet whose schemes and manipulation drive the story. The new production relocates the work into a vibrant Lagos setting while retaining the humour and social commentary of the original.

Executive producer Rosalyn Aninyei said the production brings together Soyinka’s characters and themes with live music and powerful vocals to create a new interpretation of one of Nigeria’s recognised works of theatre.

Aninyei also highlighted the potential of African opera and storytelling, saying Nigeria has a rich operatic tradition and that many African stories remain to be told to audiences around the world. “There is a hunger for African stories globally. We must be the ones to tell them,” she said.

The production is directed by Gbolabo Gibbs Adebakin, with Seun Owoaje serving as composer and Kehinde Oretimehin, also known as Omo Kabiyesi, as librettist. The lead cast includes Captain Gibbs, IGE, John Paul Ochei and Abiola Lepe.

Adebakin said using familiar stories can help audiences connect with new theatrical productions. The October performance will be the third staging of the opera and will take place at the renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, giving audiences another opportunity to experience the adaptation in one of Lagos’ major cultural venues.