Sharon Rotimi (R), Chabod Oyejide (M) and Nosakhare Ijebor (L) will lead the cast of Dear Dearest Michelle, the third instalment of Tarahh’s A Play by Tarahh series, which will be recorded live for a film-theatre version.
Written by Tarahh, the meta-theatrical, introspective play follows Benedict through the story of his troubled relationship with Michelle and the 16 women who came before her. The production draws from personal memoir and stage drama, with dialogue in contemporary Nigerian English, Hausa, Pidgin and Yoruba.
An art exhibition by digital artist Ayodele Shalom Ireoluwawamiwale will open the production to be staged in Ibadan on February 13, 2027.
The story of Dear Dearest Michelle takes place through two different eras. While the dialogue reflects present-day Nigeria, the costumes, set design and props draw from 20th-century Nigeria. The contrast puts the language of contemporary Nigeria against a visual setting from an earlier period.
Rotimi, Chabod and Ijebor will perform with Amao Ololade Jertrude, Nwaoliwe Mabel, Esther Onuoha, Mfonobong Darasimi Awah, Kingsley Onyiye, Morenikeji Precious, Blessing Chidubem Uche, Faith Oluremi, Oladokun Temiloluwa, Oluwapemi Akintan, Deborah Oreoluwa Tayo and Abiodun Esther Oluwatofunmi.
Sharon Rotimi has appeared on stage projects like Omugwo. Her television and film projects include The Wives, Love in Full Colors, Wura and The Yard.
Chabod Oyejide has screen credits on Africa Magic’s The Yard, alongside more than 100 stage productions. As Creative Director of Nut Cases Productions, he has directed short, feature, and music video projects.
Nosakhare Ijebor has worked in theatre as a performer, writer and director since university. She has about five years of professional scriptwriting experience and works across acting, writing and creative direction.
Dayo George and Ebenezer Ajijola will direct the play, with Esther Olarewaju and Oluwafunmilayo Shabi serving as stage manager and assistat stage manager, Keren Sanni handling production management and Toluwalope Ogunjimi leading the project management.
The play comes from Tarahh Studios, the team behind Only Fools Love and gOD IS NOW DEAD in collaboration with Himagix.
The production continues Tarahh’s work connecting theatre and film. Their previous piece gOD IS NOW DEAD is currently being packaged into a film-theatre version following support from the Creative Fund, administered by the UK-Nigeria Hub under the FCDO’s Digital Access Programme.
Tarahh works across film and theatre through Tarahh Studios. The show is powered by The Boxy Brand as Bored House, Hello Theatre, Hello Ibadan, Asido Foundation and Asido Campus Network UI serve as partners.
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WKMUp is a media partner of Dear Dearest Michelle.
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