EYO
EYO Extended For Two More Shows at Culture Lab LIC in November!
EYO, arranged and directed by award-winning African dramatist Taiwo Aloba, will play at Culture Lab LIC on Sunday, November 12th, and Sunday, November 19th, as part of the Emergence Artist Residency Program.
EYO ensemble troupe features Watson Mere, Estellabella, Delayna Little, Elisha Glass, Kerry Kebrina, Alice Nkanga, Taiwo Aloba, Destiny Betts, and King Downing.
The show’s creative team includes Joseph Cobb (Lighting and Sound Manager) and Omolola Abati Sobulo (Assistant Costume Design).
CHECK OUT THE EYO MASQUERADE DISPLAY AT THE CULTURE LAB
Date: November 12th & 19th, 2023
Time: 3 PM
Location: Culture Lab LIC - 5-25 46TH Avenue, Queens, NY 11101
ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE ART PIECE
“Eyo” is a Masquerade Display by Taiwo Aloba. It is written in and performed in the Yoruba language. As a form of Nigerian theatre, it incorporates praise poetry and traditional songs into the performance. There are also elements of ceremonial drumming, dancing, religious rituals, and traditional costumes appropriate to the specific traditional group. This masquerade display aims to reintroduce minds to the origins of African theater.
EYO Is A Traditional Icon Of Lagos
The Eyo Festival, also called the Adamu Orisha play, is a cultural display held to commemorate the passing of a king or a well-respected person who contributed to the progress of Lagos State. The Eyo festival is held yearly to invoke and appease the gods represented in the masquerade form. The Eyo Festival is a significant festival unique to the Yoruba people from Lagos, Nigeria. The festival is celebrated on LAGOS ISLAND, the traditional home of Lagosians, with impressive pageantry and some rituals.
ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT AND DIRECTOR
Taiwo Aloba (Playwright and Director) is a New York-based writer, director, costume designer, art director, and choreographer originally from Nigeria. She was educated at Lagos State University in Lagos, New York Film Academy in New York, and Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, New Hampshire. She is a member of the Dramatist Guild.
Through this Masquerade Display and exhibition, I aim to foster a greater appreciation for African cultural heritage, inspire curiosity and learning, promote intercultural dialogue, and preserve and promote African Festivals and traditions/folklore for future generations. - Taiwo Aloba
ABOUT CULTURE LAB LIC
Culture Lab LIC is a 501(c)(3) formed to be the arts and culture umbrella for Western Queens. We present local, national, and international art of all genres while supporting New York artists and other nonprofits by providing space, resources, and a sense of community.
