Ibi Kontein is an emerging powerhouse in Nigeria’s creative industry known for her work as the founder of Sabi Arts, Head Producer, Director, and Lead Writer. With a background in International Law and Diplomacy, as well as a passion for theatre, Ibi’s journey has been driven by a desire to share untold stories and give voice to unique human experiences. Through her work at Sabi Arts, her recent production. “Dear Applicant,” premieres at the Lagos Fringe Festival on Saturday, November 23, 2024, creating a significant impact in the theatre world. In this interview, we sit down with Ibi to discuss her creative journey, the inspiration behind Dear Applicant, the challenges of producing theatre from a distance, and the vital role festivals like Lagos Fringe play in nurturing the arts in Nigeria.
Q: Tell us a bit about your journey—how did you find your way into the world of theatre and what drives your art?
I first encountered theatre at the age of 7 when I stumbled upon Elechi Amadi’s ‘The Woman of Calabar’ in my father’s library. From there, I began devouring plays, and my earliest experience with performance came through the church dramas I saw as a child. When I started university, I immediately joined the first drama group I came across. A few years later, I was president of that group. I embraced every role—acting, scriptwriting, directing. Over time, I realized my true passion was not just acting but having control over what I was performing. That’s when I shifted to behind-the-scenes roles—writing, directing, and producing. My first major production after school was in 2020 at the Lagos Theatre Festival, while I was finishing my final year at university. I was balancing multiple roles—defending my project, serving as High Commissioner for my department, leading my drama group, and producing at LTF. It was a hectic time, but I loved every minute of it. The experience helped me connect with other producers and learn from them. Since then, the journey has been challenging but rewarding. My team and I have grown immensely, and we remain focused on telling untold stories—because, for me, it’s always about people and their unique experiences. That’s the driving force behind Sabi Arts: shedding light on the stories that too often go unheard.
Q: What inspired the piece you are showcasing at the Lagos Fringe? Is there a personal or cultural story behind it that you’d like to share with our audience?
The inspiration behind Dear Applicant comes from a universal experience that many Nigerians, especially adults, can relate to—the struggles of job hunting. The frustrations, the absurdities, and the sheer “shege” (hardships) that one endures just to secure employment. About a year ago, I came across a viral thread on Twitter where people were sharing their most ridiculous job-hunting stories. It quickly became clear that everyone had a tale to tell. I thought, why not take these relatable experiences and bring them to life on stage? And that’s how *Dear Applicant* was born—a piece that captures the humour, frustration, and challenges of the job-seeking journey. It’s a story that speaks to the many faces of unemployment and the emotional rollercoaster of trying to find a job in today’s world.
Q: How has the creative process been for this project? Were there any unique challenges or memorable moments you experienced while bringing it to life?
The creative process for *Dear Applicant* has been incredibly rewarding, largely thanks to my amazing team. We work hard, but we do it together, and their commitment makes every challenge easier to overcome. If you see any of them, please give them a hug and squeeze some dollars into their hands for me! Of course, there have been challenges, the biggest being financial constraints. So, if you’re enjoying what we do and feel moved to support, I’m always just a DM away! Another hurdle has been the distance between Abuja, where I live, and Lagos, where most of my productions are staged. Managing rehearsals and pre-production from a different city has been tough, especially learning how to navigate virtual
rehearsals and organizing everything remotely. I’ve had to become really strategic with my time, often arriving in Lagos two weeks ahead of schedule to ensure there’s enough time for physical rehearsals with the team. But despite the challenges, there have been plenty of unforgettable moments. The laughter we share during rehearsals is priceless—there are times when we’re so caught up in the fun of it all that we end up in tears, laughing uncontrollably over lines or blocking. It’s those moments that remind me why I love this work so much.
Q: In what ways do you feel festivals like the Lagos Fringe are essential for the creative economy and the arts scene in Nigeria?
Extremelyyyy! Festivals like the Lagos Fringe are absolutely essential to the creative economy in Nigeria.
For self-funded producers like me, the support they provide—whether it’s the venue, technical assistance, or publicity—is invaluable. Honestly, the cost of securing a venue can be astronomical, so having that taken care of is a dream come true. Many talented people out there have incredible stories to tell and outstanding skills, but without funding, these stories often remain untold. No matter how good the actors or the writing, without the resources to bring it to life, the audience never gets to experience it. Festivals like Lagos Fringe help bridge that gap, making sure that creativity isn’t stifled by financial limitations. It’s a lifeline for independent artists and a vital part of nurturing and growing the arts scene in Nigeria.
Q: What does it mean to you to present your work at Lagos Fringe, and what are you most excited for audiences to experience? Laughter. Please come and laugh. That’s what I want for my audience. This country is too hard. But at least for one hour, come and laugh!
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Ibi Kontein’s journey as a producer, director, and storyteller is a testament to the power of persistence, creativity, and community. Through Dear Applicant and her work with Sabi Arts, she continues to bring important, untold stories to life. As she showcases her work at Lagos Fringe, Ibi is not just offering a performance; she’s creating an experience that resonates with audiences, highlighting the struggles, humour, and humanity we all share. For Ibi, the ultimate goal is simple: to make people laugh, to make them think, and to remind them that even in the hardest of times, there’s power in storytelling. If you’re looking for a dose of humour, reality, and relatable experiences, Dear Applicant at Lagos Fringe is not to be missed. Tickets for Dear Applicant are available now! Click here to purchase your tickets.
https://bit.ly/Dear_Applicant