In a brilliantly choreographed celebration of creativity, collaboration, and cultural introspection, the pupils of Grace Children School, Lagos, are set to stage a climactic performance of This Is Our Chance — a play penned by acclaimed playwright James Ene Henshaw. The event unfolds on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in the school hall, marking a poignant moment for the graduating sixth-graders of Grace 6 as they bid farewell to their primary schooling years.
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This Is Our Chance: Honouring Excellence with Theatre
This command performance isn’t merely an artistic showcase; it’s also a heartfelt tribute to the school’s administrator, whose unwavering dedication has shaped the educational and creative growth of countless students. It weaves together acting, narration, and ensemble harmony—all crafted by young learners — to spotlight the school’s core values.
At the helm of Grace Children School, Dr. Nike Akindayo expressed her anticipation, saying the play will spark motivation and joy in equal measure. “This production promises to be an inspiring performance that reflects the values of teamwork, critical thinking and artistic expression to be nurtured in every child,” she remarked. Indeed, the event perfectly embodies the school’s philosophy: fostering holistic growth that primes students for the complexities of a dynamic world.
Embracing Change Through Storytelling
This Is Our Chance explores the pivotal tension between ancestral customs and modern values. Adapted from James Ene Henshaw’s original script, the play invites both performers and audience members to consider how tradition and innovation can align for societal advancement.
Mrs. Olatokunbo Iyiola Edun, Grace Schools’ Executive Director, underscored the philosophical underpinning of the production. She explained, “The book … focuses on how traditional African customs and values can be reconciled with modern influences, particularly Western education for the betterment of society.” Through its narrative, the play emphasises that embracing change and believing in collective agency is not just ideal—it is imperative.
She further noted that this theatrical presentation reflects the institution’s mission to cultivate well-rounded children: “The stage play performance is one of the cardinal objectives of the school to train well-rounded students.” The drama becomes a living testament of this mission, demonstrating how students can embody moral depth and intellectual curiosity while performing.
A Showcase of Values, a Canvas for Action
Mrs. Edun sees the production as a platform for more than stagecraft—it’s an immersive classroom where cultural identity, ethics, and self-expression converge. “The command play performance projects the school as developing African values and norms in the children,” she said. The event is crafted not just to entertain, but to “showcase our values to impact the lives of the students.” It is both performance and pedagogy.
Through carefully curated dialogue and narrative, This Is Our Chance reinforces critical life lessons. Pupils learn to weigh tradition against innovation, to act with empathy, and to champion community advancement. This isn’t just drama—it’s a rehearsal for real‑world citizenship, instilling in young hearts the courage to forge meaningful change.
Graduation Stage: Talent Meets Transition
For the Grace 6 cohort, this isn’t just a play; it’s the capstone of their primary school chapter. As soon-to-be graduates, each young actor steps onto the stage bearing memories of classroom laughter, late-night rehearsal jitters, and the thrill of mastering dialogue.
Their narrative journey across the stage mirrors their real-life path—from guidance and nurturing to independence and possibility. With every role, children stretch beyond familiar comfort zones, embracing public speaking, confidence, and creative teamwork. It’s a rite of passage captured in performance.
Unity in Creativity
Dr. Akindayo also emphasized the collaborative ingenuity behind the production. “This production promises to be an inspiring performance that reflects the values of teamwork, critical thinking and artistic expression to be nurtured in every child.” Here, the stage becomes a testbed for leadership, empathy, and interdisciplinary thinking.
The play’s rehearsals blend mentorship and peer-driven learning. Children adapt their roles, problem-solve staging challenges, and polish cues—learning that success depends not on solo talent but shared commitment. By closing the curtains, they don’t just conclude a performance; they celebrate collective achievement.
Investing in the ‘Total Child’
Mrs. Edun reaffirmed the school’s holistic educational philosophy: “the school is poised to develop the total child through its holistic education.” While academic rigor remains essential, Grace Children’s School equally values arts, values education, and real-world skills.
By empowering students to engage with complex ideas—like cultural integration and social responsibility—the school facilitates learning that reaches beyond textbooks. Here, theatre ignites curiosity, critical dialogue, and the emotional capacity to thrive in a diverse society.
Local Buzz and Community Excitement
The production has already stirred excitement beyond school walls. On ThisDay Live (July 3), an article highlighted the inclusive nature of the upcoming event as part of the graduation ceremony. Meanwhile, the school’s Instagram teasers — “The stage is set… our pupils are ready to shine!” — have attracted attention from parents, alumni, and broader Lagos-ites anticipating a joyful celebration.
Ticket info, ticket pricing (reported at ₦1,000), and venue details shared via Instagram have added to the growing buzz. The promise of an afternoon blending drama, reflection, and youthful exuberance has families marking their calendars.
Celebrating African Identity in Modern Education
In today’s globalized world—where technology and modern pedagogy dominate—the call to maintain strong ties with African heritage has never been clearer. This Is Our Chance champions this cause by framing cultural legacy not as a relic, but as pa owerful resource for modern living.
As Dr. Akindayo noted, embracing progress “reflects the values of teamwork, critical thinking and artistic expression.” And as Mrs. Edun emphasized, it offers a lens to reconcile tradition with educational excellence. This play grows from the roots of African wisdom, even as it looks forward.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next
As Saturday’s production nears, the school buzzes with anticipation—not just for a performance, but for what it represents. It’s a celebration of growth, values, and potential. It’s children asserting: “This is our chance,” not just onstage, but in life.
Post-performance, the Grace 6 class will graduate with a richer toolkit: narrative awareness, cultural empathy, confidence in public speaking, and a heightened sense of community. And the school—by anchoring its teaching in cultural relevance and creative learning—sets a progressive model for primary-level education.
Final Curtain: A Legacy in Motion
Grace School performance This Is Our Chance isn’t only an event—it’s a testament to what happens when schools invest in more than grades. It’s when education becomes a vibrant experience: students transform into storytellers, tradition merges with innovation, and thinking young citizens learn to shape tomorrow.
On July 5, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., these young performers will stand centre-stage for their moment of recognition. It promises inspiration, pride, and memories to carry forward. And as the spotlight fades, the message will echo: in every child lies the power to impact society—if we give them the stage.
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