Title: Bread and Butter (Based on THE CULTURE OF BREAD)

Age Group: 7+

Concept &Director: Joshua Alabi

Theatre pedagogy: Michael Pietsch

Organisations/Partners: Kininso Koncepts Lagos & Hessisches Landestheater Marburg

From the 1970s to the early 2000s, the phrase ‘bread and butter’ held a special meaning in Nigeria, symbolising simplicity, unity, and harmony. It was a common expression to convey a sense of mutual belief and solidarity, with individuals often likening themselves to ‘bread and butter’ to signify their unwavering closeness, love, and support for one another. However, over time in Nigeria, the landscape shifted, with butter gradually disappearing from breakfast tables and bread sizes diminishing. What was once an affordable meal option for all, including low-income earners, has now become a luxury item reserved for the affluent.

In Europe, bread is deeply ingrained in the hospitality culture, often served as a starter to meals at restaurants and a necessary component of many events.  Bread is affordable, available, and accessible at every table in European culture. This observation led us to reflect on the disparity in food security between continents, particularly when it comes to something as basic as bread.

We aim to delve into the rich ‘culture of bread’ and unravel the reasons behind its universal appeal and acceptance across different cultures. We seek to create an immersive experience and explore its connection to the concept of hunger. What does bread mean to each family? From fruit bread to banana bread and coconut bread, all the way to the popular Agege bread.  

This idea will be explored with the use of music, movements, live and recorded sounds to create an immersive atmosphere and evoke memories during the performance.

We will be working as artists in residence in Marburg, Germany.

Premiere: 16, May 2026, Marburg Germany.