Theatre remains vital for African renaissance, culture preservation – Professor

A university don, Prof. Segun Oyewo, says theatre remains the ultimate tool for Africa’s renaissance and the preservation of its rich cultural heritage.

He therefore called for the establishment of a theatre performing company to support teaching, research, and community services.

Oyewo made the call during the university’s 276th Inaugural Lecture, titled “Imagine a World Without Theatre and Its Realities on Stage and in the Nigerian Environment.”

Oyewo lectures in the Department of Performing and Film Arts, University of Ilorin.

He proposed that a performing company be established to complement the academic arm, providing a teaching support unit, research opportunities, and revenue-generating theatre productions.

He suggested the creation of a finishing school to enhance the employability of theatre graduates, while Professional Theatre Associations should act as regulatory bodies to uphold standards in liberal arts.

Oyewo underscored the need for stronger advocacy and commitment from practitioners, which could be reinforced through a ‘professional oath’ to foster unity among theatre professionals.

“There is a strong need to use theatre to explore connections within the African Diaspora for the preservation of African culture.

“This can be achieved through active Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) among theatre competitions.”

He also suggested making African cultural studies compulsory in university curricula to promote unity and cultural appreciation among Africans and the diaspora.

According to Oyewo, the saying “an artless society is a heartless society” underscores the role of theatre and the arts in fostering emotional depth, empathy, and humanity.

“Without art, a society risks becoming soulless and disconnected.

“Theatre has the power to educate, entertain, and inspire.

“It brings people together, sparks important conversations, and provides a platform for self-expression.

“Without theatre, our world would be dull, less empathetic, and less connected.

“Nigeria, without theatre, would lose a vital part of its cultural identity and creative expression,”he said.

According to the lecturer, theatre plays a crucial role in preserving culture, tradition, and history, noting that without it, society would experience a decline in creative expression.

“Theatre serves as a platform for social commentary, activism, and advocacy. It can also help heal societal wounds caused by wars, hunger, and poverty.”

Oyewo pointed out that toxic environments negatively impact theatre more than other sectors, yet history has shown theatre’s resilience in bouncing back stronger.

“Theatre’s resilience is legendary, giving practitioners a perceived sense of invincibility—rightly or wrongly.”

He stressed that theatre must survive, as its decline would bring great cultural and societal consequences.

“The death of theatre lies within theatre itself–when it degenerates into mere entertainment and show business, emphasising the licentious and the banal while eroding good theatre.

“It must balance commercial reality with social responsibility.”

To sustain theatre’s relevance, Oyewo called on governmental and non-governmental organisations to support the digitalisation of theatre production, resource materials, and cultural festivals.

He also suggested exhibiting these in schools, youth centers, and museums to promote cultural transmission and preservation.