By JOAN ODAFE

The National Arts Theatre says it will unveil a new African musical to mark 2026 Children’s Day to entertain young audiences while reconnecting them with culture, storytelling and live theatre.

The General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the National Arts Theatre, Tola Akerele, said this in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

According to Akerele, the production, “I Wish I Wish: Battle of The Winds”, combines African mythology, original music, fantasy costumes and immersive stagecraft.

She said the production was meant to demonstrate that locally rooted children’s shows could hold their own on the global stage.

Akerele said the musical was not only designed to entertain children but also to expose them to African stories and shared cultural values at a time when many young audiences consume mostly foreign animated content.

She said the initiative reflected the theatre’s broader cultural mission.

“When we talk about building the next generation of Nigerians who value their own culture, we have to start with the experiences we give them as children.

“This production represents exactly the kind of work this venue was built for.

“The National Theatre should be a place where a child walks in and discovers something about who they are and where they come from.

“‘I Wish I Wish” does that with a level of ambition and craft that we are proud to be associated with,” she said.

She expressed optimism that the audience, including parents, schools and children would have a sense of experiencing something important.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at the centre of the story is Grandma Wura, a mythical storyteller who guides children through a battle between forces of nature while exploring themes of courage, heritage and self-discovery.

According to the organisers, the musical, produced by Proud African Roots – a children’s theatre company, will hold on Saturday at the Main Bowl of the National Theatre, and is projected to host about 6,000 attendees across two performances.

The organisers said the production would feature VFX-inspired makeup, large-scale set design and live orchestration intended to transform the venue into an immersive theatrical environment for families. (NAN)

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