Why Nigeria must harness the potential of digitizing theatre – Don

Segun Oyeleke Oyewo, a professor of Theatre Arts at the Department of Performing and Film Arts, Faculty of Arts, University of Ilorin, has called on both government and non-governmental organisations to prioritise the digitisation of theatre production resources and cultural festival exhibitions.

Oyewo emphasised that making these materials accessible to schools would help preserve and promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

The professor, who suggested this on Thursday evening while delivering the 276th inaugural lecture of the university, titled ‘Imagine a World Without Theatre and its Realities on the Stage and the Environment in Nigeria,’ underscored the importance of theatre in strengthening connections within the African diaspora and ensuring the preservation of African cultural traditions.

He pointed out that adequate investment in the sector could accelerate opportunities and drive economic growth through performing arts and cultural industries.

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To prevent the decline of theatre and its potential negative impact on society, he recommended the establishment of a performing company to complement academic institutions.

This initiative, he said should be built around three core areas; such as teaching and academic support, research and community service and revenue-generating theatre productions.

The Don further advocated for professional theatre associations to serve as regulatory bodies. These associations, he posits should address challenges related to the liberal arts nature of conventional theatre schools to enhance the employability of theatre arts graduates.

According to him, theatre plays a crucial role in addressing societal challenges such as war, hunger, and poverty, serving as a medium for healing and social change.

He equally highlighted the importance of arts management in sustaining theatre by balancing commercial viability with social responsibility, considering the diverse environments in which theatre exists across Nigeria.

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Emphasising the significance of arts and theatre, he noted that they help preserve and promote culture, tradition, and history.

“We cannot imagine a world without theatre because it has the power to educate, entertain, and inspire. It brings people together for self-expression and personal growth.

“Without theatre, our world would be dull. The absence of theatre would also negatively impact education, as it is an essential tool for fostering critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence,” he explained.

He posited that without theatre, Nigeria would risk losing a vital part of its cultural identity, creative expression, and a significant source of economic growth.