Homecoming is a stage play written by Nigerian playwright Chetachi Igbokwe which premiered on 6 May 2021 at the New Arts Theatre, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Inspired by a personal experience in 2019, when Igbokwe anxiously awaited his sister's arrival at the airport after a prolonged absence, the play explores the anxieties surrounding recognition and connection after significant separations.
However, the impact of loss took on even greater significance for Igbokwe after the passing of both his parents, which occurred shortly after the play received the Association of Nigerian Authors' Prize for Drama.
He reevaluated the weight of the word "death" and found parallels between his own experiences and the characters' grief, infusing the work with authenticity and emotional depth.
The narrative explores Adannaya's psychological distress and Nwakibe's determined search, which intersects with Mr. Writer/Johnson, a writer who offers cryptic advice, and Ahumaraeze, a diviner knowledgeable in Igbo traditions.
Igbokwe's mastery in blending tragic and comic elements is evident, as the audience experiences a range of emotions, from laughter to sorrow, often simultaneously.
Sima Essien, writing for The Nation, commended the play's ability to "[capture] for us the tragic notion of the certainties we trust falling apart to fracture our dreams into unimaginable nightmares".
[2] Essien lauded the performances, particularly Kosiso Ejikeme's portrayal of Nwakibe, who was described as "a formidable presence onstage, and arguably the very soul and heartbeat of the entire story".
The set design and lighting were lauded for their ability to create a powerful and immersive atmosphere, shifting between the familiar comfort of Nwakibe's home and the unsettling ambience of a traditional shrine.