Written and produced by The Sumi
Directors: Feyifunmi Ogini, Mofe Duncan and Abimbola Komolafe
Writer: The Sumi Group
Rating: 18+
Premier: June 2025
Showtime: 4pm – 6pm
Runtime: 70 Minutes
For the first time ever, a story from the Àtẹ́wọ́ collection, part of The SUMI Writers’ Invisible Hands & Devil’s Dress catalogue that has been in writing for over 30 years, is being produced as a stage play.
Dear Father is a gripping exploration of love, sacrifice, and generational trauma, shedding light on the crucial role of fathers in shaping their daughters’ lives, set against the harrowing reality of rising femicide rates in the UK.
At its core is Nike, a woman locked in a silent war with both her past and present. Her father, Adebayo, once vowed to protect her at all costs, yet she questions the sacrifices he made on her behalf. But when Adebayo steps back, he turns the question back on her—what sacrifices is she willing to make for her own child, or will she become the very failure she claims he is?
With raw emotion and unflinching honesty, Dear Father challenges our deepest beliefs about family, duty, and the price of silence.
The SUMI is a masked collective of writers and poets, originally formed by a trio of creatives, aged between 43 and 46, who began their journey in Ogun State, Nigeria, back in 1990. Their early works were shaped by their shared school days, with the youngest member just 8 years old at the time.
While maintaining anonymity, the SUMI has significantly impacted top production houses, contributing to notable projects without revealing their identities.
A decade ago, a younger trio joined the original members, bringing fresh energy and perspectives while continuing the collective’s tradition of compelling storytelling.