Abuja Music Society Debuts Adaptation of ‘Les Misérable’ Musical

The Abuja Metropolitan Music Society, AMEMUSO, has showcased an adaptation of one of the greatest musicals of all times, Les Misérables.

The show had its opera debut at the Transcorp Hilton hotel Abuja, on Sunday November 28. In attendance at the event were diplomats of various countries as well as a packed audience, all waiting to enjoy the show.

Les Misérables shares a message portraying the resilience of the human spirit, this message of hope has transcended through time and space since its creation in 1862 by Victor Hugo.

The French historical novel w as one of the greatest novels in the 19th century, and till this  day, the message of the story is still relevant.

The Music Director and co-founder of AMEMUSO, Samuel Ezugwu, stated that the show was inspired by the need to create content that resonates with the masses especially as it relates to their daily lives.

He said:  “Over the years; this is our fourteenth year running, we’ve done operas, we’ve done other musicals like sound of music and then my fair lady, but this time around, we felt like we should do something that is relatable to more people.”

He said the biggest message to gain from the musical was “a message of victory.” He encouraged people to give their heart for the sake of love…for the love of country.”

The premise of the entire musical is centered around hope and resilience for people, the theme of the event ‘Ahenna- we must all come together’ echoes the message of hope to the audience who watched the Nigerian adaptation, and to people across all borders.

The film, Les Misérables is set in France during the early 19th century and tells the story of Jean Valjean who, while being hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert after breaking parole, agrees to care for a factory worker’s daughter. The story reaches resolution against the background of the June Rebellion of 1832.

The 2012 film which was packed with a high profile cast including Ann Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, The film won three Golden Globe Awards, four British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA), and received eight Oscar Academy Award nominations, winning three, the most won by a musical in the millennium.

Hauwa Abu