After a successful launch at the BOWEN University, Iwo, Thespian Theatre & Production’s Komuniti Project will, on July 17 and 18, berth at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo state.
The project that connects theatre with environmental concerns started at BOWEN with the performance of Rasaki Ojo-Bakare’s ‘Ekun Omi’ (When Water Cries).
According to the Chief Executive Officer of Thespian Theatre, Mrs Ayo Jaiyesimi, the company is working with the Department of Performing Arts at AAUA to stage a play titled ‘All for Peace’, directed by Zachariah Akinmoladun.
‘All for Peace’ will be performed on the campus, at the palace of the town’s monarch, and in the market square, bringing to memory the communal and travelling traditional theatre concept in Africa.
She explained that the creative sector, particularly the performing arts, has the power to inspire social change by presenting vivid pictures of current situations, the need for change, and the benefits of collective action.
“We are collaborating with 14 universities in 2024/25 to drive awareness and social change. These universities will participate in workshops, scriptwriting, and performances to showcase environmental issues and promote sustainable practices.
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“For over 20 years, THESPIAN Family Theatre & Productions has been dedicated to using visual storytelling to drive social and behavioural change through community-focused initiatives. This season, our spotlight is on the environment, a critical issue that demands attention. We are aligning our focus with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and zeroing in on SDGs 1, 2, 3, 6, 11, 13, 14, and 15.
“The environment plays a vital role in our lives, and it is our responsibility to care for it and maintain ecological balance. Despite measures and propaganda, apathy remains a significant challenge. Therefore, we have taken a personal approach to address this issue. We are engaging with the community and community groups through workshops, readings, stage plays, competitions, and roadshows to reinforce government efforts and global interventions,” she said.
She explained that the creative sector, particularly the performing arts, has the power to inspire social change by presenting vivid pictures of current situations, the need for change, and the benefits of collective action.
The Head of Department, Performing Arts, AAUA, Dr Abayomi Agboade Adegbamigbe, said: “All for Peace’ is woven around a group of 16 off-campus students in Ogunlowo’s multi-tenanted ramshackle building located next to a canal. Aside from its deplorable state of disrepair, only one toilet serves the entire house with a pipe channelling the waste directly to the canal. Several events trigger a conflict that eventually gets resolved in favour of environmental sanity.
The Komuniti Project, according to Jaiyesimi, will include 14 universities. Others, apart from BOWEN and AUUA, are Dennis Osadebe University, Osun State University, Lagos State University, Ojo, and Imo State University.
Also included are Ekiti State University, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Kaduna State University, Kogi State University, University of Abuja, University of Port Harcourt, University of Lafia and University of Lokoja.