Cross River’s Awade Set To Break New Theatrethon Guinness World Record
By Uket Oka, Calabar
A Theatre and Media Studies graduate from the University of Calabar, Awade Jacob Awade, is set to break a new Guinness World Record for the longest individual theatre performance, aiming for 120 hours.
The event, which started on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 9:30 PM at Romaan Lounge in Calabar, would run until Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
Adrian Hilton from the UK set the record for the longest solo theatre marathon (Theatre thon) at 110 hours and 46 minutes in July, 1987.
Awade Jacob Awade an indigene of Obanliku Local Government Area (LGA), Cross River State, Known by his stage name ‘Awade of Lagos,’ said he is determined to create the new record of 120 hours.
Speaking to journalists in Calabar, he also emphasised that his effort extends beyond mere recognition, saying that, “it is a vital initiative for social change.”
Our reporter gathered that during the five-day event, Awade would embody all characters in three plays by notable playwrights.
The performances would include “The Prisoner” by Chris Nwamao, “Who is Afraid of Solarin,” by Femo Osofisan, and “Death and the King’s Horseman,” by Wole Soyinka.
Awade will illustrate the harsh realities of prison life as depicted by Nwamao, aiming to emphasise the significance of collective education for fostering substantial societal change and progress.
Osofisan’s work tackles pressing societal issues like corruption, bribery, fraud, and embezzlement, calling attention to the urgent need for social reform.
In contrast, Soyinka’s ‘Death And The King’s Horseman’ delves into the importance of tradition in African culture.
Awade appealed for support from fellow Nigerians who have consistently encouraged him, firmly believing that with determination, anything is achievable.
