Dear Applicant

Premiering to a captivated audience, Dear Applicant by Sabi Arts Limited is an emotionally charged portrayal of Nigeria’s embattled job market, delivered with raw power and nuance at the Peckham Fringe. Written and directed by Ibi Kontein, the 45-minute play plunges its audience into the psychological toll of unemployment, using piercing dialogue, stark staging, and compelling performances to spotlight the weight of unfulfilled ambition.

At the centre of this searing drama is Patrick Popolampo, whose portrayal of Jaja Koko — a first-class graduate left to navigate a sea of rejection letters and disillusionment — anchors the production with palpable urgency. Popolampo delivers a performance that captures the very soul of Nigeria’s disenfranchised youth. His portrayal goes beyond surface-level frustration; it is layered with quiet despair, fleeting hope, and a powerful yearning for dignity in a system rigged against the very people it should uplift.

Popolampo’s control of vocal modulation is particularly noteworthy. He shifts tones with finesse — from bitter sarcasm to heartbroken vulnerability — demonstrating not just technical skill but an intuitive emotional intelligence. His voice becomes a tool through which Jaja’s internal chaos is externalised, reflecting the psychological erosion caused by dysfunctional failures.

Beyond technical brilliance, Popolampo brings an unteachable presence to the stage — a magnetic pull that keeps the audience locked into Jaja’s every word and gesture. His performance signals the emergence of a formidable new talent in Nigerian theatre. For those familiar with Nollywood, Popolampo’s depth and versatility draw apt comparisons to Kanayo O. Kanayo — an actor revered for his range, command, and ability to elevate any script into something transcendent. Beyond the leading performance, the entire company delivered a cohesive and captivating effort, making the show a delight.

Kontein’s script also shines in its humanity and precision. The characters are deeply relatable — not just to Nigerians, but to job seekers and overlooked talent across the globe. It’s a story of systemic failure, but also of universal perseverance.

Dear Applicant does more than tell a story — it challenges societal complacency. With Patrick Popolampo leading the charge, the play delivers a gut punch of realism that lingers long after the lights go down.