Oluchi Chibuzor
The Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA), in partnership with Vision Spring Initiatives (VSI), has staged the third showcase of Àjose, a theatrical production and radio drama initiative designed to use storytelling to promote conversations around women’s health, social responsibility, justice and healing.
The latest showcase, held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the Multipurpose Hall, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, attracted students, creatives and members of the wider community, who were treated to a blend of theatre, entertainment and social commentary.
Building on the response to the first and second showcases, the third presentation used emotionally engaging performances and culturally grounded narratives to explore issues including healing, compassion, wellbeing, justice and collective responsibility, with particular emphasis on women’s reproductive health.
The production is part of an initiative aimed at creating safe and accessible spaces for audiences to engage with sensitive issues that are often difficult to discuss openly.
Through each showcase, Àjosee has sought to demonstrate how creative expression can make complex social and health-related issues easier to understand while encouraging reflection and behavioural change.
Founder of TAFTA, Bolanle Austen-Peters, said the continued audience engagement had reinforced the importance of storytelling as a tool for addressing difficult social issues.
“The journey of Àjose across these showcases has shown us once again how powerful storytelling can be when it connects directly with people’s lived experiences,” Austen-Peters said.
According to her, theatre provides an opportunity to approach difficult conversations with empathy while creating room for learning, reflection and change.
“Seeing audiences continue to engage so strongly with the production reinforces why platforms like this are important,” she added.
The Academy Lead at TAFTA, Mr. JO Umoibom, said the production had maintained a youth-centred approach to ensure that its messages remained accessible and relevant to young audiences.
“With every presentation of Àjose we have seen audiences connect differently with the issues being explored. Our focus has been to create an experience that is not only artistically strong but also relevant, accessible and thought-provoking,” Umoibom said.
He added that the response to the third showcase demonstrated the willingness of young people to engage with important social issues when they are presented in relatable ways.
The performance generated a mix of laughter, emotion and reflection among the audience, further highlighting the potential of culturally relevant storytelling to address sensitive subjects and encourage dialogue.
TAFTA and VSI have now turned their attention to the grand finale of Àjọṣe, which will mark the conclusion of the series of showcases.
The organisations said details of the final showcase would be announced subsequently, urging theatre lovers, young people, creatives and members of the public to look out for information about the concluding performance.
Àjọṣe forms part of TAFTA’s broader commitment to using creative platforms to promote artistic excellence while contributing to social development. The partnership with VSI also underscores the potential of theatre, film and radio as tools for education, advocacy and social transformation.
With three showcases now completed, Àjọṣe has continued to provide a platform for audiences to confront difficult questions around health, justice, healing and collective responsibility through the power of performance and storytelling.