The Advisory Board for The Nigeria Prize for Literature has revealed the longlist of 11 captivating drama plays out of 143 submissions vying for the prestigious literary prize in its 2023 edition.
Sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), the prize awards the winning playwright with a generous cash prize of $100,000.
In alphabetical order by the title of the plays, the 11 exceptional works that made it to the longlist are:
- Dance of The Sacred Feet by Ade Adeniji
- Gidan Juju by Victor S. Dugga
- Grit by Obari Gomba
- Home Coming by Cheta Igbokwe
- The Boat People by Christopher Anyokwu
- The Brigadiers of a Mad Tribe by Abuchi Modilim
- The Ojuelegba Crossroads by Abideen Abolaji Ojomu
- The Spellbinder by Bode Sowande
- When Big Masquerades Dance Naked by Olubunmi Familoni
- Where Is Patient Zero by Olatunbosun Taofeek
- Yamtarawala – The Warrior King by Henry Akubuiro
The Panel of Judges, led by Professor Ameh Dennis Akoh, a distinguished Professor of Drama and Critical Theory at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ebonyi State, alongside panel members Professor Osita Catherine Ezenwanebe and Dr Rasheedah Liman, commended the profound themes and artistry displayed in each play.
They praised the playwrights’ ability to breathe life into their characters and narratives, showcasing their profound insight into the human experience.
Expressing her satisfaction with the selection process, Professor Akachi Adimora- Ezeigbo, the Chairperson of the Advisory Board, lauded the judges for their meticulous evaluation in identifying the best literary works for the 2023 edition.
She hailed the longlist of 11 plays as a testament to the judges’ unwavering dedication to seeking true dramatic excellence.
She further congratulated the playwrights, highlighting their significant contributions to the literary landscape of Nigeria.
The Advisory Board, including Professor Olu Obafemi and Professor Ahmed Yerima, will continue to evaluate the 13 entries for The Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism, which runs concurrently with The Nigeria Prize for Literature. The literary criticism prize carries a monetary value of $10,000.
As the adjudication process moves forward, the literary community eagerly anticipates the shortlist of three drama plays, which will be unveiled in September.
The winner of The Nigeria Prize for Literature 2023 will be announced by the Advisory Board in October, celebrating the outstanding literary accomplishments of the winning playwright.
