Thespian Theatre Archives

There is no stopping the train of Thespian Theatre’s pro-environment varsity drama train as it has straddled the University of Port Harcourt with a bang.

If there is any state in Nigeria that needs the message of environmental safety and climate change mostly, it might just be Rivers State, where the university is domiciled. The reason is that, as the seat of oil companies and host of notable rivers, it is prone to degradation. When Thespian Family Theatre & Productions thus recently berthed at the University of Port Harcourt, with a message of renewal for the environment, it was just at the right place at the right time.

The Ayo Jaiyesimi-founded group had inspired the ivory tower’s drama students to stage ‘The Flood’s Fury’, a one-act drama explores the catastrophic impact of flood on a fishing port community of the Niger Delta region. The fisherman (central character) recounts the horrific events that unfolded as the flood strikes without warning, destroying homes, livelihoods, and lives.

According to Jaiyesimi, the show, which attracted a large audience especially from among the school community, is part of the Komuniti Theatre Project through which Thespian is advocating for the protection of the environment. It has, since about two months ago, been touring universities in different parts of the country, sensitising them on the hard reality of climate change and dangers of pollution. The Komuniti project has been to other varsities that include Bowen University, Iwo, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, while it will be at the Lagos State University, Ojo, this September.

‘The Flood’s Fury’ perfectly fits into the project as it dwells on a menace that the nation dare not ignore: flooding. In the play, the fisherman describes the power and fury of the rising waters, which seem to have a life of their own as they sweep away everything in their path. He reflects on the fragility of human existence in the face of nature’s wrath, and how the community is unprepared and powerless to stop the destruction.

The producers add that the play also highlights the role of human actions and negligence in contributing to the disaster. The fisherman talks about how the community has disrupted the natural balance of the river through unsustainable development and environmental degradation, setting the stage for the catastrophic flood.

As the flood rages, the play depicts the chaos, panic, and personal tragedies that unfold, including the drowning of the fisherman’s own family. The aftermath is described, with the community left to grapple with the immense loss, trauma, and the daunting task of rebuilding their lives.

Ultimately, the play serves as a cautionary tale, urging the audience to heed the lessons of the flood and take action to mitigate the risks of such disasters in the future. The fisherman’s story underscores the need for better environmental stewardship, disaster preparedness, and a deeper respect for the power and unpredictability of nature.

Elijah Adebero

Between July 17 and 18, lovers of the theatre have a date with ‘All for Peace’ at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State as the Thespian Family Theatre &, Productions’ Komuniti Project train berths in the town. The production, which raises awareness about the environment, is in collaboration with the Performing Arts Department of the university, whose students form the cast.

‘All for Peace’, being directed by Zachariah Akinmoladun, is the second in the series of the plays that will be performed in 14 universities across the country, where Thespian is taking the advocacy. It is coming after a successful launch at the BOWEN University, Iwo, where the theatre company founded by Mrs Ayo Jaiyesimi partnered the school. Rasaki Ojo-Bakare’s ‘Ekun Omi’ (When Water Cries) was successfully performed at BOWEN by its theatre students.

Head of Performing Arts Department at AAUA, Dr Abayomi Agboade Adegbamigbe, notes that ‘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 its deplorable state of disrepair, only one toilet serves the entire house with a pipe channelling the waste directly to the canal. A number of events trigger a conflict that eventually gets resolved in favour of environmental sanity.

The play will be on stage 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.

Jaiyesimi, who has enormously contributed to the resurgence of live theatre in the country, says the Komuniti Project also be at Dennis Osadebe University, Osun State University, Lagos State University, Ojo and Imo State University.

Also hosting the train 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.

Jaiyesimi notes in a statement: “For over 20 years, THESPIAN Family Theatre & Productions has been dedicated to using visual storytelling to drive social and behavioral 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 explains 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,” she further notes.