Niyi Akinmolayan has praised writer Omotoke Solarin for her work on the upcoming production ‘The Valley of Hidden Treasures’, describing the script as one of her strongest to date.
According to Akinmolayan, “Toke has outdone herself again,” as he highlighted the show’s central themes of loyalty and friendship, noting that the story is set in Northern Nigeria, a setting that adds depth and texture to the narrative.
Reacting to the commendation, Solarin said she felt “deeply honoured” by Akinmolayan’s words. She explained that the script challenged her creatively, as it required her to navigate unfamiliar ground. “This script was a real test for me because I was navigating unfamiliar territory, balancing the timing of comedy with the emotional depth of a family drama,” she said. She also credited Akinmolayan for his guidance throughout the process, adding, “Mr Niyi held my hand all through the process. To see him celebrate a draft that we worked so hard on wasn’t just a personal win; it was proof that pushing my creative boundaries was the right move.”
Speaking further about the production, Solarin described ‘The Valley of Hidden Treasures’ as “an absolute whirlwind”, calling it a rich blend of family drama, loyalty, love, and comedy. While her previous production, The Forest of the Talking Drums, connected deeply with audiences, she said the new show is designed to be “an entirely immersive experience”.
She revealed that audiences can expect increased interaction and participation, as well as “a new exciting instrument to play”. However, Solarin noted that the most thrilling element of the show is its central concept. “I think the most exciting part is the ‘Hidden Treasure; at every single performance, an audience member literally walks away with a treasure,” she said, adding that “if you loved our last production, this one is going to take your breath away.”
With its immersive design, powerful themes, and the promise of a literal hidden treasure at every performance, the show invites audiences not just to watch but to be part of the story.
