Friday, August 30, 2013

SARO… Will Change Our Theatre Landscape Significantly, says Kenneth Uphopho, Director (Drama)


"Some musicals that have come out of this country used dance as an accompaniment but in Saro, dance is an instrument of communication, telling that part of the story for that purpose -- not just going to be there for the aesthetics; it is going to tell a story."-- Kenneth Uphopho, Director (Drama) for SARO

Who is Kenneth Uphopho ?
My name is Kenneth Uphopho. I am an actor, a dancer, a theatre producer and director. I am an alumnus of the Lagos State University, Department of Theatre and Music.  I am the Creative Director of the Performing Arts Workshops and Studios (PAWS), an independent theatre outfit based here in Lagos. I have directed over 40 productions for my company and other independent producers. I have also been a part of over 100 stage productions as an actor, dancer, and as a stage manager. I have also co-produced some festivals and directed them. I am the current Artistic Director for the Lagos State Theatre Festival organized by the British Council for 2014; an ongoing project and I am also one of the Directors in SARO.
What aspect of Saro are you directing?
I am in charge of characterization and drama in the play. The play is a musical that brings together different elements of theatre: music, drama, dance, pantomime and mime, etc. So, I am in charge of seeing that other artistic qualities from the actors are carried out effectively in the general production. I am in charge of characterization and the framework of the play.

What is new and different about SARO The Musical?
A lot has been said and a lot will still be done about this groundbreaking, earth-shattering play we are working on. Never before in the history of this country has  such a production been. The uniqueness of Saro is in our mission; the play itself tells a story set out on a mission to change things around us, to change the artist, the level of theatre in the country and the general perspective of the theatre in the country as a whole.
What makes Saro outstanding to you?
Some musicals that have come out of this country used dance as an accompaniment but in Saro, dance is an instrument of communication, telling that part of the story for that purpose -- not just going to be there for the aesthetics; it is going to tell a story. For the music, we are exploring all genres of music and we intend to see the best come out of it.  We have the best of the bests in terms of the orchestrals to the best of the bests out of the instrumentalists. All of them on top of their games, all together to do justice to Saro. For the Drama, once Kenneth Uphopho is involved, drama is going to be spectacular. Now, interpreting the play: we all came together to talk about it -- though we had different things -- together with the creator or originator of the story; and then came out with a definitive artistic vision for this play -- to make this play what it is.
What’s your assessment of the actors and actresses in the play?
I must say that the actors/actresses we have here are among the best in the country right now; they can act, sing and dance which is an added advantage to Saro right now. More than this, their ability to understand and interpret roles has been at the top. They have been supportive in terms of how we have been able to harness their skills to do characterization. Don’t forget, they have also brought their high level of skills into this. Over the time of experimentation and all that, they know the play in-and-out and the vision is clearly followed. They are on top of their games right now. There is a good cordial relationship in the team. I don’t have a particular best actor/actress yet but I must tell you, the ones that are here are the best in the country right now. Sentiments apart, we chose the best through the auditioning process.
What would you say to the intending audience?
 I would tell them to come with an open mind. Saro isn’t just there to entertain. We will do that but, we will also inform, educate and liberate, so to speak. The notion is out there. Mentally, some people are still caged. It isn’t just the four walls of prison that hold you back from achieving your goals or dreams.  We will inspire you to reach for your goals.
Invariably, I would say, you are enjoying your work here at Terra Kulture!
Laughs!  Yes. I am a resident director here. We have had a lasting relationship and I am grateful to Terra Kulture and the executive producer, who happens to be the MD, of Terra Kulture for her support and being there for theatre producers and the budding practitioners to showcase their talent. You come here every Sunday, week-in week-out, you see theatre consistently here. This is the only place in the country that does that. I am at home.


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