Uzor Arukwe, Others Set To Star In Olarotomi Fakunle’s ‘Monkey Laundry’

A satirical play, Monkey Laundry, featuring popular Nigerian actors, Uzor Arukwe and Patrick Diabuah, is set to go on stage at the Lagos International Theatre Festival 2026, scheduled for November 14 and 15 at the AGIP Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos.

The performances will hold at 7pm daily and feature other actors, including Jumoke Salami, Sinmileoluwa Hassan and Damilare Solomon.

Written and directed by Olarotomi Fakunle, with Olasinbo Christopher Kehinde as creative producer, Monkey Laundry uses comedy, irony and social commentary to examine corruption, poor leadership and moral decay in Nigerian society.

Set in a fictional government department responsible for monkey research and laundry services, the play follows the experiences of FM General, Alhaja Dimka and Lolling-Doras as they struggle with bureaucratic inefficiency, financial mismanagement and dishonesty.

Through witty dialogue and humorous situations, the characters expose how corruption has become deeply rooted in public institutions and society. The play also examines issues such as selective morality, nepotism, poverty, inadequate healthcare and the failure of leadership to address the needs of ordinary citizens.

Beyond its comic presentation, the production explores how individuals can become victims of a corrupt system while also contributing to its survival.

The discovery of missing government funds and revelations contained in an audit report further expose the consequences of corruption and the lack of accountability in public institutions.

Despite its criticism of the system, Monkey Laundry ends on a hopeful note, highlighting the need for integrity, education, justice, responsible leadership and active citizenship.

The play challenges audiences to reflect on their individual roles in building a better society, stressing that meaningful national transformation begins with personal integrity and collective responsibility.

Speaking on his involvement in the production, the creative producer, Olasinbo Christopher Kehinde, said his relationship with Fakunle, who has been his mentor for more than a decade, influenced his decision to join the project.

“I have known Olarotimi Fakunle for more than ten years. He is my mentor, the person who brought me into theatre, and we have made several productions together, most recently the launch of his book, The Chameleon Method of Acting. When he called me about Monkey Laundry, I said yes straight away,” he said.

Kehinde described the production as an entertaining but thought-provoking work that would encourage audiences to recognise familiar attitudes and behaviours in public office.

He said: Expect to laugh, expect to recognise these officials, and keep an eye on the cage, because the monkeys see everything. I hope you leave asking one question: who keeps putting them there?”

Ngozi Uma is a Nigerian Arts and culture writer and critic. She specializes in art reviews.

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