Mammy Water weds Environmentalist, a wedding you will not forget

Fela said ‘Water no get enemy’. When you fight water, it is a war lost, before it even begins. This is illustrated in Bode Sowande's play - Mammy Water's Wedding. Directed by Olanike Onimisi Bennett and performed on stage at the Wole Soyinka Theatre inside the University of Ibadan. 

It is a well directed fantastical play which effectively brings together the themes of love, environmentalism and the interconnectedness of humans and the natural world. The story follows Akinla, a talented human swimmer, and Tarella, a mermaid princess, who fall deeply in love despite their vastly different backgrounds. 

Their romance is set against the backdrop of environmental degradation, as Akinla battles Adagunodo, a wealthy polluter who recklessly dumps waste into the ocean. Through the characters' journeys, the play poignantly highlights the consequences of human actions on the natural world. 

The set design, featuring a backdrop of plastic bottles and recyclable materials, serves as a stark reminder of the impact of human waste on marine ecosystems. The mermaids' graceful movements created an immersive atmosphere, drawing the audience into this underwater world and the beauty that lay beneath its surface.

The orchestra was placed in the orchestra pit, directly in front of the stage, from where they added a much needed sonical dimension to the performance. Although they weren't in the audience's view, their voices could be heard creating enchanting melodies that spoke about the themes of love, grief and also an emphasis on the importance of preserving the sea and sea life. The way they were able to balance subtlety, tempo, rhythm and harmony, alongside the deep meaningful lyrics of the songs created a loud resonation in the ears and the mind on the importance of water in the existence of life.

“Gbogbo aiye l'omi yi ka (Water surrounds the entire world.)

Omi okun, omi osa (The sea, the lagoon) 

Gbogbo odo inu aiye (All the rivers of the Earth)... Ninu omi l'ati waye (From water we came to life)”

A polluted life source only brings death and suffering.

The play's central message, which could be unofficially translated to – "water, e no get enemy" – reminds us that our actions have consequences and that we must strive for a balance between nature and human activities. 

The performances were outstanding, with the actors bringing depth and nuance to their characters. Adagunodo (played by Toluwaleke Owonifaari) for example was able to balance the comical side of his character with its imposing and villainous aura, which created a nuanced act, that didn't only succeed in entertaining the audience, but also showcased his dexterity in handling his role. 

The character of Iya Eleja, the mother of Akinla, was entirely embodied by the person of Bisi Ariyo. Through her acting, you could closely relate to the motherly love and deep care a woman has for her child. The rendition of her lines, alongside the intimate expression of deep sorrow, joy, compassion and concern for her son in different scenarios over the entire duration of the play easily resulted in all the reactions one would expect from the audience in each situation.

It was obvious that each performer that got on stage had done their homework and gave their all in each given role.

Overall, "Mammy Water's Wedding" is a must-see production that will leave audiences moved, inspired, and perhaps most importantly, motivated to make a positive impact on the world around them.