The Department of Theatre Arts, Faculty of Humanities, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, joined the rest of the World to commemorate the 2024 World Theatre Day.
Introduced by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) in 1962, and celebrated every 27th of March, the World Theatre day became sacrosanct for the international theatre institute and practitioners around the world.
The initiation of the World Theatre Day in 1962 was aimed at promoting the values and importance of theatre arts across the world by highlighting its role in cultural exchange, social cohesion, and creative expression.
While declaring the event open, the Vice-Chancellor of the University Prof. Sunday Elom represented by the Deputy Vice- Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Abel Ezeoha, said the World Theatre Day is a day when various art events such as performances, workshops, and discussions take place globally to celebrate the art of theatre and its significance in society.
He therefore enjoined everyone to seize the opportunity to acquire relevant knowledge about the importance of the day in human development.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the Theatre Arts Department of the university for the time, energy and resources they had put together to ensure that AEFUNAI is highlighted during this year’s world theatre day celebration and for seeking out seasoned educational and industry personalities to educate the students.
In his remarks, the Acting Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Dr. Onuorah Nweke said that this year’s World Theatre Day celebration with the Theme ‘’Theatre: A Culture of Peace in Search of Development’’ is topical as it touches the very essence of humanity, stressing that where there is no peace, there can never be any development.
He further stressed that theatre has pursued and leveraged on peace for a better society.
He however urged the government, organized private sector and philanthropic individuals to come to the aid of the department as it is in dire need of physical structures to support the Arts Theatre Auditorium which has been overstretched.
Earlier in a welcome speech, the Head, Department of Theatre Arts, Dr. Bernard Eze Orji, said the theme of the celebration cannot be overemphasized as it was conceived with an intention to seek for partnership in the area of infrastructural development.
He called on friends and lovers of Arts to help the department by donating work equipment, power generator, computers, photocopiers and relevant books for the departmental library, to enable it fulfil its mandates.
He further said that as an annual event, the department will use the opportunity to recognize its patrons and supporters.
A former member of the House of Representatives and the author of a play titled ‘’Sipping Coffee With My Boss’’, Rt. Hon. Jerry Alagbaoso, commended the students for participating in the drama and urged them to work hard as the projectors of Arts.
He also appreciated the department for organizing the play and promised to give copies of his book to those that participated in the art performance, adding that the play interrogates the society and talks about the positive and the nagative sides of people involved in nation building, with a beam on the university community.
He urged the students to develop the passion of writing in order to become competent in different genres of literature, charging them to read voraciously to write irresistible stories worthy of publication.
In his keynote speech, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, Prof. Barclays Ayakoroma, said that a dramatic piece is x-rayed on stage for an audience to share in the dreamer’s experience.
He noted that combining words, voice, movement and visual elements were expressions that pass message to audience, stating that the art of theatre is all encompassing in this regard, and therefore requires to be promoted to sustain its value.
He further emphasized that theatre does not only act as entertainment, but also serves as a mirror to the society and influences introspection and teaches people on how to express themselves effectively by developing the ability to communicate one’s thoughts and feelings.
He maintained that theatre is important to students because it improves knowledge, motivation, offers humor and laughter, and reduces stress.
He explained that community theatre is an important and valuable part of many communities around the world as it fosters a sense of inclusivity that encourages creativity and entertainment.
He added that community theatre plays a role of supporting the arts by bringing people together, noting that theatre represents life and human nature, encompassing a variety of subjects and issues through a wide perspective and is an excellent training ground for virtually any kind of job.
A renowned Nigerian thespian of the Nollywood Industry, Kanayo O. Kanayo while speaking on, ’’Becoming a Star in Nollywood’’, noted that for one to become a star, they must have the ability to work and focus on their goals, not money.
He said that acting is a display of innate abilities, therefore, it should be used to pass a message.
He urged the students not to relent but work hard to achieve their purpose and dreams in life.
The immediate past Vice-Chancellor of AE-FUNAI, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba who is also a patron of the Arts, expressed delight on seeing his brain child - the Theatre Arts Department mature to the level it has reached , and commended the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elom for keeping the dream alive.
He pleaded for the sustenance of the dream, and called for unity of purpose and direction among staff in order to get the university to a higher pedestal.
Prof. Nwajiuba who also spoke on behalf of other awardees thanked the organizers for recognizing their efforts and contributions which translated to the award of honor, and promised his unwavering and sustained support to the department.
The highlights of the event were drama presentation, dance display and awards to some patrons of the Arts.