A lecturer in the Department of Performing and Film Arts, University of Ilorin, Prof. Segun Oyewo, has stressed the importance of theatre in the society, maintaining that it remains the ultimate tool for Africa’s renaissance and the preservation of its rich cultural heritage.
Oyewo, who spoke while delivering the University’s 276th Inaugural Lecture, titled “Imagine a World Without Theatre and Its Realities on Stage and in the Nigerian Environment”, called for the establishment of a Theatre Performing Company to support teaching, research, and community services.
According to the Inaugural Lecturer, the proposed theatre performing company would complement the academic arm, providing a teaching support unit, research opportunities, and revenue-generating theatre productions.
While urging the creation of a finishing school to enhance the employability of theatre graduates, Oyewo said Professional Theatre Associations should act as regulatory bodies to uphold standards in liberal arts.
He underscored the need for stronger advocacy and commitment from practitioners, which, according to him, could be reinforced through a professional oath to foster unity among theatre professionals.
He said: “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 competitors.”
Oyewo also suggested making African cultural studies compulsory in University curricula to promote unity and cultural appreciation among Africans and those in the diaspora.
According to the Inaugural Lecturer, the saying that “an artless society is a heartless society” underscores the role of theatre and the arts in fostering emotional depth, empathy, and humanity.
He said: “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.”
According to Oyewo, theatre plays a crucial role in preserving culture, tradition, and history, noting that without it, society would experience a decline in creative expression.
The Inaugural Lecturer pointed out that toxic environments negatively impact theatre more than other sectors, while history has shown theatre’s resilience in bouncing back stronger, adding that theatre
must survive, as its decline would bring great cultural and societal consequences.
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, while suggesting the exhibition of these in schools, youth centers, and museums to promote cultural transmission and preservation.