Joke Silva

Career

Four Decades of Excellence in Performance

Career Timeline

1970s

Training and Early Theatre Work

Began formal training at Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in performance.

1980s

Nigerian Stage Prominence

Emerged as a leading force in Nigerian theatre with groundbreaking performances in productions including Omo Odo and The Exception and the Rule by Bode Osanyi. Co-founded Lufodo Productions, producing Mother's Day for television in 1981.

1990s

Television Recognition

Expanded into television and film, starring in Silent Night (1996) directed by Chiko Ejiro and establishing herself as a versatile performer across multiple media platforms.

2000s

Nollywood Leadership

Became a pioneering figure in Nollywood's evolution, starring in critically acclaimed films including 30 Days (2006), Women's Cot, and Violated. Continued producing groundbreaking theatre through Lufodo Productions.

2010s

National Honours and Global Recognition

Received Nigeria's National Award (MFR) in 2014. Curated Nigeria's artistic expression at the 2012 Olympics. Toured internationally with Hear Word!, performing at prestigious venues including The Public Theater (New York), Harvard Dance Center (Boston), and Thalia Theater (Hamburg).

2020s

Continued Excellence and Legacy Building

Starred in major productions including Chief Daddy, The Setup, Namaste Wahala, Rise (Disney), and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti. Appointed Chairman of Lagos State Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Review Committee. Continues to mentor emerging artists through LAPA and champion the creative arts sector.

Film & Television

The Secret Laughter of Women

Directed by Peter Schwabach

Phone Swap

Directed by Kunle Afolayan

The Amazing Grace

Directed by Jeta Amata & Scott Cleverdon

Over The Bridge

Directed by Tolu Ajayi

White Waters

Directed by Izu Ojukwu

Chief Daddy

Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan

The Setup

Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan

Namaste Wahala

Directed by Hamisha Daryani Ahuja

Violated

Directed by Amaka Igwe

Silent Night

Directed by Chiko Ejiro (1996)

Women's Cot

Directed by Dickson Iroegbu

30 Days

Directed by Mildred Okwo (2006)

Potato Potahto

Directed by Shirley Frimpong Manso

Light in the Dark

Directed by Ekene Som Mekwunye

Diamonds in the Sky

Directed by Kunle Afolayan

Two Weeks in Lagos

Directed by Kathryn Fasegha

The Wait

Directed by Yewande Zacchaeus

Rise (Disney)

Directed by Akin Omotosho

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti

Directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters

Owuro Lojo

Directed by Bunmi Oyinsan

Golden Cage

Directed by Bunmi Oyinsan (SJ Productions)

Eewo Orisa

Directed by Lasun Ray-Eyiwumi

Theatre Productions

As a consummate stage performer, I have graced some of the most prestigious theatres in Nigeria and internationally, bringing to life powerful narratives that challenge, inspire, and educate.

Hear Word!

Directed by Ifeoma Fafunwa

International Tour including:

  • Harvard Dance Center, Boston, USA
  • American Repertory Theater, Boston, USA
  • Frascati Theatre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • The Public Theater, New York, USA
  • Segerstrom Center, California, USA
  • Thalia Theater, Hamburg, Germany
  • Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, UK

Omo Odo

By Bode Osanyi (1980)

The Exception and the Rule

By Bode Osanyi (1980)

Ada The Country

Doyen Circle, Nigeria

Lufodo Productions

As co-founder of Lufodo Productions, I have produced and starred in numerous groundbreaking works that have shaped Nigerian theatre and television.

  • Mother's Day (TV, 1981)
  • Holy Child (Stage) – By Olu Jacobs
  • Digging for Gold – By Joke Silva
  • Inspector Eto De – By Joke Silva
  • Sisters – By Ahmed Yerima
  • Little Drops – Hackney Empire, London (Ahmed Yerima)
  • The Lion and the Jewel – By Wole Soyinka
  • Sefi Attah Trilogy (The Engagement, The Naming Ceremony, The Wake)
  • The King Must Dance Naked – By Fred Agbeyegbe
  • The King Maker (Film) – By Bunmi Oyinsan
  • Vagina Monologues – Eve Ensler

Awards & Recognition

Every award and honor I have received is more than just recognition—it is a reflection of the journey, the passion, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines my career.

Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA)

5-time winner

SOLIDRA Award for Performing Arts

Best of Africa Award

National Award

Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) – 2014