In a world that can seem increasingly chaotic, Sycamore Church’s Creative Show titled “Bent”, held on October 8th, 2023, was a welcome breath of fresh air. It was an exposé on how God can use the most painful parts of our lives to showcase His glory.
Recognizing that this show couldn’t have happened without the amazing cast who painstakingly devoted their time and energy, we interviewed some of them to get their backstories, experiences on set, and relatable memories from the show. Here’s what they had to say:
Miracle Sadiq
Your name: “My name is Miracle Sadiq.”
Your role in the creative show: “I played the character Morenike.”
Did playing that role impact you in any way? If yes, how?: “Oh! Yes, oh, it did. My role made me understand what it meant to be in a bad place and not be able to get out. It made me empathetic towards people in those kinds of situations.”
What did you think about the show?: “I think the story was so good, and it related to real-life stuff that people go through. I love how the message was expressed in so many creative ways.”
Your best memories from the show/rehearsals: “One would be the first time Israel did the ‘mad love’ spoken word piece during rehearsals. It was awesome.
Another wonderful memory was when people were to critique the runs; I always found it funny. And, of course, the food in rehearsals, shout out to the welfare team.”
The best person to get along with during rehearsal: “That would be Toba. He played the role of Kola, my character’s husband.”
What would you say to anyone who missed the show and hasn’t watched it on YouTube: “Go and watch the show. It’s such a wonderful story. You won’t get it if you don’t watch it. (Do you get it?)”
Did you know?: December Creative Shows are almost here. You can
Israel Akubueze
Your name: “Israel Akubueze.”
Your role in the creative show: “In the show, I was the madman who delivered a spoken word about how mad God’s love is.”
Did playing that role impact you in any way? If yes, how?: “Yeah, it did. I actually specifically asked for that role. I saw it in the script and sort of had a witness within me that it was my role in the play.
I’m so glad I followed that urge and took the role because as much as the piece I rendered was for the show, it was also for me, and taking it forced me to pay attention and reflect much more on the message I was to pass across.
It also made me more aware of the talent I have. I’ve never really been a theatre person, but after the last creative show, I got a lot of reviews on my acting, and I was looking forward to this one to see if I truly was as talented as people said.
With this role, I was doing something so different from my past character – and, in my opinion, more difficult – and I’ve gotten even better reviews. So it appears my initial performance wasn’t a fluke, and I might actually be a good actor.”
What did you think about the show?: “I think the show was absolutely amazing, and thanks to it, I have a much better understanding of God’s love.
While He doesn’t excuse judgement and punishment, God is always there, ready to shower us with His love. The prerogative is now on us to yield and accept that love.
A number of people failed Femi and caused him to turn out the way he did. But those were people, not God. God was always there, still trying to reach him. Thankfully, better late than never, he yielded.”
December Creative Shows are almost here. You can
Your best memories from the show/rehearsals: “Best memory? I’d say I have two. The first one has to be the day of the photoshoot for the posters. Seeing everybody’s first reaction to me in costume was so funny.
They all seemed so concerned, confused, afraid and startled by the way I looked, and some were even adding their input to make me look more “mad”. I also really liked reading those little notes the Welfare Team attached to our meals during overnight rehearsals.
The notes were a constant reminder of the impact of the work we were doing, appreciating us for it and egging us to continue to give our best. It was a small gesture, but it meant a whole lot to me, to be honest.”
The best person to get along with during rehearsal: “Christiana Rotimi-Williams. CRW! My costume director. Such an amazing person. I met her during the last creative show, but I feel I connected with her much more in this one. It was really fun working with her to look more “mad”.
Special shout out as well to Prisca and Dorcas – they were always supporting and cheering me.”
What would you say to anyone who missed the show and hasn’t watched it on YouTube: “There’s a message there for you. And it’s your duty to hear it. We’re all bent in one way or the other, by our fault or not, but as Christians, we’re not meant to remain that way.
Through Jesus, there’s a path to salvation and redemption. So please watch the show and be reminded of God’s love for you and me.”
Eunice Kuram
Your name: “Kuram Eunice”
Your role in the creative show: “I acted as Chinenye in the creative show.”
Did playing that role impact you in any way? If yes, how?: “Yes, it did. Because it made me go back to a part of myself that I’d worked so hard to overcome (as my character was supposed to have low self-esteem, which I’ve struggled with before).
More than that, it made me realize once again how much God’s love is able to meet me wherever I am and make me whole again.”
What did you think about the show?: “It was a great show with many great lessons. From the drama to the music to the dance, to the spoken word pieces, every creative expression came together in synchrony to bring the script to life, which was really beautiful to see!”
Your best memories from the show/rehearsals: “Our overnight rehearsals, definitely. They were tasking but also really fun!
The best person to get along with during rehearsal: “Toba Oyebamiji (Kola).”
What would you say to anyone who missed the show and hasn’t watched it on YouTube: “Hop on this chance to enjoy life-changing entertainment from the comfort of your home. It’s a great show, and you will be blessed.”
Toba Oyebamiji
Your name: “Oyebamiji Toba”
Your role in the creative show: “I played the role of Kola, Femi’s dad”.
Did playing that role impact you in any way? If yes, how?: “Yes. It was really tough at the beginning to portray the violent character; it was difficult to ‘beat’ my wife convincingly on stage at every rehearsal.
But I felt more comfortable with the role as time went by. The cast that played my wife in the show (Morenike) also made it easier. However, I felt the weight of what it meant to grow up in that kind of home and was a little sad on show day.”
What did you think about the show?: “The story was good, the songs were amazing, the spoken word pieces were beautiful, and the dance was great! I had goosebumps when I watched it on YouTube. I think the message was well passed, and I’m sure people were blessed.”
Your best memories from the show/rehearsals: “As stressful as overnight rehearsals were, they were fun. It was nice meeting new people and connecting with friends beyond just Sundays.”
The best person to get along with during rehearsal: “Miracle and Mokepeoluwa. They played ‘Morenike’, my character’s wife, in both shows. I met them for the first time during rehearsals, and we’re good friends now.😊 “
Ohh, Tolu Ayantayo and Eunice too. Shoutout to Eniola F.O. for always giving me her food during rehearsals.😂”
What would you say to anyone who missed the show and hasn’t watched it on YouTube: “As Pastor Tolulope Moody said, the show is for everyone. Even if you’re not from a broken home, we’re all victims of a broken world, so I’m sure there’s a message for you in that show. You should give it a watch.”
Tolu Ayantayo
Your name: “Tolulope Ayantayo”
Your role in the creative show: “I played the role of Femi.”
Did playing that role impact you in any way? If yes, how?: “I particularly enjoyed playing that character because, at my earlier stages of accepting Christ, I struggled with doubt. It was great seeing that I walked my journey and was able to reflect that experience to others too through the character.”
What did you think about the show?: “I think the show was real and genuine – a humble reflection of every one of us.”
Your best memories from the show/rehearsals: “I always looked forward to rehearsals because they helped me ease off the stress of the day. We always had fun during rehearsals, and there was plenty of laughter. I think having fun while making an impact made it worth it.”
Best person to get along with during rehearsal: “Everyone in drama, actually. Moyo Onipede, Dorcas Abiodun, and Toba were especially great to banter with.”
What would you say to anyone who missed the show and hasn’t watched it on YouTube: “I think it was a relatable show, and it was quite fun, too. It’s certainly one everybody should check out.”
If you still haven’t seen it, you can check out the Sycamore Creative Show titled ‘BENT’ here.
Did you know?: December Creative Shows are almost here. You can
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Interview by Adefunke Bolatito,
Adefunke volunteers with the Content Team at Sycamore Church.
(Blogposts are creative expressions generously provided for Sycamore Church. The ideas and thoughts do not necessarily represent the position of Sycamore Church)