True test of love they say is sacrifice and in times of war, sacrifice is an important rudiment of victory.
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This is well captured in Wole Oguntokun's premiere of the theatre play ' Legend of Moremi Ajaasoro' in conjunction with MUSON. Set in the ancient kingdom of Ile-Ife, the play narrates the brave sacrifice of a young woman's undying love for her husband and his people. Originally from Offa, Moremi's heart easily warmed to the people of Ile- Ife.
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The play is plotted on the premises of the tragedy that plagued Moremi after she discovered the secrets of the Ugbo people who raided and terrorized the people of Ile-Ife. The revelation of their secret weaponry by Moremi led to their defeat. Though warned by her beloved husband, Oranmiyan not to carry out her espionage plans, Moremi sought the help of the gods with a promise to make a costly sacrifice if victorious. She allowed herself to be captured by the Ugbo warriors during one of their raids and would later be the wife of the king of Igbo. After the people of Ile Ife conquered their longtime enemies, Moremi returned to the Esimirin shrine to fulfil her promise to the gods. It never occurred to her that the gods would demand for her only son Ela.
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Thus, till date, Edi festival is celebrated in Ile-Ife as a hopeful wish that Ela, the son of Moremi would return someday to reap the fruits of her labour.
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Shown at the MUSON centre recently, Renegade theatre's efforts to celebrate one of the festival deities in the Yoruba kingdom was not a complete waste as the play lived up to its expectations.
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The stage was appropriately set in a traditional design, setting the mood for the audience to travel back in time and relive the sacrifices made by a courageous woman. The transition from each scene was seamless carrying the audience along in its crescendo pace.