Miskilu Aminat Olaitan reviews Ola Awakan’s ‘Well Done Sir!’

In Lagos, at Just Theatre House, the play “Well Done Sir!” dismantles the often impenetrable wall surrounding men’s mental health, thrusting men’s well-being into the spotlight. Through this work, Ola Awakan—known as the Journothespian of TVC COMMUNICATIONS—creatively stitches together a story that confronts an unsettling cultural status quo.

Directed by Ifeanyi Eziukwu and staged at the Alliance Française Theatre in Ikoyi, Lagos, “Well Done Sir!” embodies the quiet burden men often bear. It delves into how they silently endure distress, masking vulnerability behind a stoic “man-up” facade. These men—unacknowledged in their struggles—are portrayed as unsung heroes.

A particularly evocative element of the play draws from Albert Camus’ The Myth of Sisyphus, suggesting that freedom comes when one accepts life’s inherent absurdities. Through this lens, the piece argues that an inability to meet rigid gender expectations should not lead to despair; rather, individuals must navigate life’s challenges as they are.

One act confronts the harsh realities embedded in many African marriages, where cycles of domestic discord and violence often take root. The play suggests that when a woman repeatedly deflates a man’s sense of self-worth, tensions inevitably rise, and the societal mandate to “walk away” becomes less feasible. This interaction challenges both men and women to consider their roles in preventing conflict from escalating to violence.

“Well Done Sir!” delivers its message on multiple levels. On the surface, it critiques how men often feel compelled to meet society’s rigid expectations. The exaggerated portrayals underscore the absurdity of these societal pressures. Yet, beneath this veneer, the play transcends gender, addressing the broader human condition.

Through its central narrative, “Well Done Sir!” also warns of the dangers that lie in solitude, as exemplified by the tragic fate of a character named Tunmishe. This serves as a cautionary tale for those who, in carrying the weight of others’ troubles, may lose themselves entirely. The play condemns self-neglect, urging against the all-too-common sacrifice of one’s well-being in the name of others.

Its message resonates universally, reminding every “hu-man” of their mortality and vulnerability. It calls for openness—a collective duty to speak up and share one’s burdens. “Well Done Sir!” champions the idea that each soldier is part of an army; thus, isolation was never the intended path.

For those who see this performance, “Well Done Sir!” offers both courage and clarity. Through humor and an immersive experience, the play boldly confronts the status quo, urging audiences to reconsider silent endurance as a path forward.