The stage musical play ‘Mary’ made a triumphant return to the Eko Hotels theatre over the weekend on the 11th and 12th of July, delivering a fresh, emotionally charged retelling of the biblical story that seamlessly blended music, drama and artificial intelligence. The production offered audiences a deeply humanized portrait of Mary, the mother of Jesus, moving beyond the traditional nativity narrative to explore her untold journey.
The Eko Convention Centre buzzed with excitement as art lovers gathered for two sold-out shows on Saturday and Sunday. The musical is part of FirstBank’s ongoing commitment to Nigeria’s creative industry, reviving the spirit of stage production while nurturing a new generation of versatile actors and production outfits.
The sponsorship is a clear reflection of the bank’s commitment to promoting Nigeria’s creative ecosystem through its First@Arts initiative, a platform through which it supports creative expression, innovation, and cultural enrichment. The partnership aligns with the objectives of First@Arts, which seeks to nurture talented artists, support the growth of the creative economy, and create opportunities for audiences to engage with transformative artistic experiences.
First Bank, known for its support of the arts through its annual DecemberIssaVybe campaign, backed the play as the flagship production kicking off the July theatre season.
Rather than focusing solely on the birth of Christ, Mary the musical play delved into her personal struggles, emotional conflicts and unwavering faith, presenting her as a woman navigating extraordinary circumstances which led to the birth of Jesus Christ. The production took creative liberties by imagining Mary’s background, her upbringing, friends and family dynamics, offering audiences a chance to see themselves in her humanity.
One of the most striking creative choices was the dual portrayal of Joseph one version embodying steadfast devotion, the other representing temptation symbolizing Mary’s internal battle between purpose and doubt. The production also incorporated artificial intelligence into its stage design and visual storytelling, adding a contemporary, immersive layer that enhanced the theatrical experience with immense spectacle.
From choreography and musical renditions to costumes and stage management, every element was meticulously coordinated. The AI-enhanced set design, in particular, drew praise for its innovation, making the biblical era feel vivid and real without breaking a sweat usinga massive digital display board to depict the medieval setting.
Audience members were visibly moved, with many applauding the actors’ emotional depth and the crew’s creative prowess. The resounding reception underscored a growing appetite for productions that merge faith, technology and human emotion in fresh, thought-provoking ways.
As the curtain fell to thunderous applause, attendees left with a renewed appreciation for the power of theatre and high hopes for more productions that push creative boundaries while honoring timeless narratives.
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