Angel Field Festival 2025: Kiniso Konsepts presents Waterside

Waterside is an emotional, thought-provoking and magical journey that unravels the culture of totemism and taboos, plagues in the Niger Delta, and the significance of culture, family, memories, and dreams, delving into historical issues of oil exploitation and struggles of Nigerian youth, in particular unemployment. 

A captivating theatre performance, the play delves into an intricate story of childhood, family and poverty in the oil-rich Niger Delta in Nigeria. Through the lens of totemism, animism, taboos, and African spiritualism, the production sheds light on the deep-rooted struggles faced by the region. 

The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of two main characters, exploring themes of memory, family, poverty, and childhood. However, at its core, Waterside centers around the profound concepts of taboos, totemism, animism, symbolism, and the interconnectedness between the spiritual realm and humanity.

Two friends, Osarume and Oghenovo, who grew up under the same roof as brothers, have killed a chicken which turns out to be the totem of Pa Barclays, a community elder. The man has died and his family will stop at nothing until the culprits die of the same fate as their Father. Oghenovo's Mother has gone to beg the priest and she is presented with the dilemma of having to pick one brother to live and the other to be killed. 

Waterside serves as a poignant reminder of the power of memories and their lasting impact on our lives. It weaves together humor, wit, and thought-provoking moments, utilizing music, sound, and intense drama to evoke emotions of nostalgia, grief, and self-discovery. Waterside invites audiences to reflect on their own experiences and connections to the themes presented, fostering a sense of resonance and empathy.