Homecoming (2021 play)

Homecoming is a stage play written by Nigerian playwright Chetachi Igbokwe which premiered on 6 May 2021 at the New Arts Theatre, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The play was directed by Ugochukwu Victor Ugwu and produced by the Maestro Theatre. It explores themes of tragedy, familial bonds, loss, grief, memory, and the fear of separation.

It won the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Prize in 2021 and was longlisted for the 2023 Nigeria Prize for Literature where the judges described it as "philosophical and gravely entertaining".

Background
Chetachi Igbokwe's Homecoming, delves into themes of loss, grief, memory, and the fear of separation. Inspired by a personal experience in 2019, when Igbokwe anxiously awaited his sister's arrival at the airport after a prolonged absence, the play explores the anxieties surrounding recognition and connection after significant separations. This emotional resonance forms the bedrock of the play's central conflict.

The fear of loss permeates Homecoming, becoming a prominent motif. However, the impact of loss took on even greater significance for Igbokwe after the passing of both his parents, which occurred shortly after the play received the Association of Nigerian Authors' Prize for Drama. This deeply personal tragedy reshaped the play's meaning for him. He reevaluated the weight of the word "death" and found parallels between his own experiences and the characters' grief, infusing the work with authenticity and emotional depth.

Production
The play premiered on 6 May 2021 at the New Arts Theatre, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The original play was directed by Ugochukwu Victor Ugwu and produced by the Maestro Theatre casting Kosi Ejikeme as Nwakibe Echeruo, Aina Adebola as Adannaya Echeruo, Chimaobi Okolo as Mr. Writer/Johnson and Simon Ebuka Ugwu as Ahumaraeze. On 7 August 2021, through a collaboration between the Maestro Theatre and the Enugu State Council for Arts and Culture, the play was staged at the Enugu Sports Club.

In December 2022, Homecoming was published by Noirledge Publishing.

Characters

 * Nwakibe Echeruo — A church catechist and retired head teacher.
 * Adannaya Echeruo — Nwakibe's wife
 * Nebeolisa — Nwakibe's son.
 * Mr. Writer/Johnson - A writer and the Echeruo's neighbour.
 * Ahumaraeze — A diviner and chief priest of the Ogwugwu masquerade cult.

Plot
The plot centers on Nwakibe Echeruo, who is deeply affected by the disappearance of his son Nebeolisa. The search for answers dominates his life, while his wife Adannaya Echeruo faces her own grief. The narrative explores Adannaya's psychological distress and Nwakibe's determined search, which intersects with Mr. Writer/Johnson, a writer who offers cryptic advice, and Ahumaraeze, a diviner knowledgeable in Igbo traditions. Their interactions lead Nwakibe on a path of conflict and self-reflection, resulting in unexpected revelations.

Themes and analysis
The play delves into the complexities of human emotions and cultural expectations. It raises questions about the nature of tragedy and the essence of "craft" in storytelling. Igbokwe's mastery in blending tragic and comic elements is evident, as the audience experiences a range of emotions, from laughter to sorrow, often simultaneously.

Nwakibe's character embodies the traditional tragic hero, whose personal flaws and societal pressures lead to his downfall. His internal struggle and ultimate failure highlight the inevitability of fate, a common theme in classical tragedies. Adannaya's descent into madness reflects societal attitudes towards mental health. Her condition, exacerbated by the loss of her son, is largely ignored by those around her, symbolising the stigma and neglect often associated with mental health issues in society. The play's use of Igbo language and folklore enriches its narrative, providing a cultural context that resonates with the audience. The character's dialogues and the play's setting offer a glimpse into the traditions and values of the Igbo people.

Critical reception
Homecoming received critical acclaim for its well-developed characters, relatable dialogue, and effective use of theatrical elements. Reviewers praised the play's deft blend of humour and tragedy, finding it both entertaining and thought-provoking. Sima Essien, writing for The Nation, commended the play's ability to "[capture] for us the tragic notion of the certainties we trust falling apart to fracture our dreams into unimaginable nightmares". Essien lauded the performances, particularly Kosiso Ejikeme's portrayal of Nwakibe, who was described as "a formidable presence onstage, and arguably the very soul and heartbeat of the entire story". The production's use of theatrical effects also garnered praise. The set design and lighting were lauded for their ability to create a powerful and immersive atmosphere, shifting between the familiar comfort of Nwakibe's home and the unsettling ambience of a traditional shrine. The use of music and a chorus was commended for adding emotional depth and highlighting the play's themes of loss and redemption.

Iheoma J. Uzomba, writing for AfreecanRead.com, described the play as "helplessly [involving]," drawing audiences into the characters' struggles. She emphasised how Igbokwe effectively evokes both pity and fear, fulfilling the Aristotelian tragic experience. She lauded Igbokwe's "mastery of twisting plots and gradually unfurling resolutions." She admired the play's meticulously crafted characters and "delightful dialogues."

Sharon O. Okey-Onyema, writing for Arts Lounge Magazine, highlighted the play's ability to "[dig] out a certain emotion" in viewers. She commended how Homecoming fulfills the requirements of tragedy by generating feelings of pity and fear in the audience. She hailed the play as a "work of art" that adheres to aesthetic principles and sparks meaningful discussions.

Darlington Chibueze Anuonye and Anthony Chibueze Ukwuoma, writing for This Day focused on the portrayal of grief and loss in their review. They commended Igbokwe's insightful and empathetic depiction of these experiences.

Homecoming won the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Prize in 2021 and was longlisted for the 2023 Nigeria Prize for Literature where the judges described it as "philosophical and gravely entertaining".