Bimpe has been the talk of the town, only she has not been in town to hear it as she has been “in hiding”, shielding herself and her autistic son from the unforgiving gaze of Lagos high society.
Her self-imposed exile is abruptly ruptured when she attends the Owambe of all Owambes and is forced to navigate the social norms of a world where tradition is at odds with her experience of motherhood.
Poignant social drama
Written by Hackney-born writer, Adenike Ojo, In Hiding is a poignant social drama that premieres at the Tower Theatre, Stoke Newington, London from 21 June to Saturday 1 July 2023.
At the heart of this stunning new play are the challenges of motherhood and the inflexibility of a status-driven and often unsympathetic Lagos high society. Given the universally relatable themes at the core of In Hiding, it’s no surprise that it was shortlisted for the 2022-2023 VAULT Five mentoring programme.
Sparking meaningful debate
A British-Nigerian playwright, Adenike Ojo studied screenwriting at the National Film and Television School, Beaconsfield. She is passionate about introducing new perspectives and sparking meaningful debate in her material.
Adenike Ojo’s short plays, I just want to get to work and Soupcase have been performed at Queen’s Theatre and at Theatre 503, and extracts of her plays and poetry were performed as part of SLAMinutes in 2022 at Pleasance Theatre and Arcola Theatre.
Focus on raising an autistic child against social tradition
The director, Kanayo Omo, sums up the play’s important social commentary: “In Hiding shines a spotlight on the realities of being a single mum, raising an autistic child in an environment where social status is everything and her own experience of motherhood is at war with tradition.”
In Hiding premiers at the Tower Theatre, 16 Northwold Road, Stoke Newington, London N16 7HR, from 21 June to 1 July 2023. The capital’s busiest non-professional theatre company, Tower Theatre was formed in 1932 and its mission is to provide high-quality yet affordable drama while enabling people of all ages and backgrounds to experience every aspect of live theatre.
The cast
Kemi Kentebe, Joshua Aketse-Entsie, Frank Atoro, Stella Betton, Buki Bimbi-Philips.
Tickets
It is suitable for ages 12+ and tickets are £12 in advance or £14 at the door.
Click here for booking details
Click here for more about the play
