The citizens of Ile-Ife

Ile Ife is an ancient Yoruba city in South-Western Nigeria. ‘Moremi’ the musical relives the legendary 12th century Yoruba story of a woman who sacrificed everything; her marriage, her son and even the risk of death in order to secure the future of the people of Ile-Ife.

Daughter of one of Ife’s bravest hunter-warriors, Lukugba, and Princess Olunbe of Offa; Moremi was raised to question injustice and stand up for the oppressed no matter who they were or where they came from. When Love came calling, she answered but there are prices to pay.

When invaders again renew their raids on the people after being previously defeated by the help of her father, Moremi volunteers to be taken captive; to learn the secrets of the enemy. But not without first seeking help from the river goddess, Esinminrin with a vow to return with a sacrifice when she succeeds.

In captivity, she finds favor with the Bush King; and with power, means and opportunity, she escapes back to Ife to empower the warriors with the knowledge of how to defeat the enemy. When the bush invaders again come to take the harvest and the people as slaves, it is Moremi who leads the charge as Ife is liberated forever from her tormentors.

The price of peace would be the sacrifice of her only child, Oluorogbo, as demanded by the goddess. Nothing else would appease the powerful deity of the River, and Moremi faithfully keeps her word.

This musical was directed by the multiple-award winning Bolanle Austen-Peters.