KEM AJIEH IKECHUKWU is to Star in his first ever professional stage/theatre production, playing the role of JULIUS IKOKU in the 2nd Edition of Keke Hammond’s renowned contemporary play “HIGH” about substance abuse, written by Osang Abang. The play would be directed by Temi Ami-Williams. To be performed at the Lagos Int’l Theatre Festival 2024.
In a world where delicate issues like drug and substance abuse are not given the right amount of education, publicity and its bad effects are not talked about. It leaves a lot of people, youths and teenagers especially, bereft of information, vulnerable and prone to fall to this menace.
In a bid to educate and shed light on the issue of substance abuse, Keke Hammond and Road 14 studios presents a stage play titled High. Written by the late Osang Abang, the play which talks about the issue of substance abuse had its first edition in 2018.
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A second edition is on its way and is billed to happen at the Lagos International Theatre Festival.
The Lagos International Theatre Festival is headlined by Terra Kulture and will take place from the 15th to the 17th of November across four locations in Lagos.
One of the lead performers for this second edition is Nigerian actor and commercial model KEM AJIEH IKECHUKWU. An indigene of Delta State, Kem had his debut into Nollywood in the year 2021 when he played a lead role in the NDANI TV Series SCHOOLED, two years later he hit another lead role, this time in the Linda Ikeji produced Netflix movie Dark October which was the true life inspired story of the ALUU 4 boys lynched in Port Harcourt.
Kem also plays TOLU a lead character in the MTV Shuga Naija Series, Season 5, and has gone on to star in more Nollywood movies.
He is also a commercial model for Brands like Globacom Ltd Nigeria and ARM Pension Company. He is a welcome addition to the High stage play and is set to bring his very best to the play and the interpretation of his character JULIUS.
The character JULIUS is a teenager, who is Goth, and battling with emotional, family and financial problems. He tends to bottle up his emotions. He is distant from his friends, however tries to keep the friendship going, and eventually opens up to his friends about his issues. Julius is reserved, cool-headed and observant.
The first edition of “ High” had actors like Genoveva Umeh as Lami. Abayomi Alvin as Ryan. Phillips Francis as Kayode. Chizzy Ọkpara as Julius. Najite Dede as Mrs Johnson and Akah Nnani as Slow.
This second edition features new faces, and fresh casts, with KEM AJIEH IKECHUKWU playing the role of Julius. Johnson Ibeh as Kayode. Iyimide Ayo-Olumoko as Lami. Wonuola Akinremi as Ryan, Kanyi Eros as Maimuna, Justin Ben as Slow, Jessica Orishane as Ronke. And a few other talented ensemble cast. To be directed by Temi Ami-Williams. And Maggie Osuome as Producer.
Rehearsals are currently going on and is scheduled to last for five weeks, the team also had a Table Read a week ago, all in pursuit of delivering an exceptional performance and wonderful experience on the 16th and 17th of November at the Lagos International Theatre Festival.
The stage play promises to bring alive the joy of acting on stage whilst highlighting the nature and adverse effects of substance abuse.
Tickets to the Festival can be purchased via this link https://lagosinternationaltheatrefestival.ng/buy-tickets/
