By Chris Onuoha

Bikiya Graham Douglas, theatre producer and founder of Beeta Universal Art Foundation (BUAF) has revealed that a new playwright competition for the teaming young generation will soon be unveiled.

In a chat with Vanguard Art, the fast rising thespian, actress and compere, Bikiya, who recently bagged an award in Dublin through her theatrical performance and prestigious honour as African youth Ambassador said that having noticed that there’s a vacuum in theatre industry especially among young people, there’s need to create a platform that will upgrade the industry to a height.

Citing that theatre went through a depression in Nigeria, she said a lot of people did not see it as very important anymore and did not recognize theatre as an entertainment. The depression time really affected the mind of young ones who would ordinarily wants to venture into play writing.

But now people are wakening up to the voice of theatre that will encourage young generation to write play, hence, a playwright competition platform which will actualize the vision.

According to her, “Theatre is huge in its own right and people are beginning to recognize it. It’s only a matter of time we will be seeing young writers showcase their worth as long as there’s an enabling environment for them to operate.

A scene from one of Bikiya’s plays

When I reflecting on the works of iconic playwrights like Wole Soyinka, Ola Rotimi, Femi Osofisan, Ahmed Yerima and others, I feel that there’s an urgent need to maintain continuity and keep up the longevity of their endeavours and as well groom young ones who will take this position in history.” She said.

The competition which will be open to creative Nigerians between the ages of 18 to 40 is a platform to develop, showcase and tell story of Nigeria in their own way. It will involve short stories that can be represented on stage within the stipulated duration.

Making up the panelists is a very respectable thespian from South Africa Milany Makeba, a renowned poet, actor and special poet to late former South African president, Nelson Mandela alongside other acclaimed thespians from Nigeria mixed up with some literary experts whose input will make a dynamic change in the industry.

To find a truth about any piece of work, persons with less or no experience in the industry will make an impact because requesting their honest and candid opinion will make the overall judgment authentic.

“I was impressed by play scripts received from young people who wants their play considered for drama. I saw the enthusiasm in them and believe that all they need is a bit of direction and that’s what we are hoping to achieve.

Besides, it’s not all about sending entries, but at the end of it, they are going to get some advice on how they can approach their work differently before making final submission.” She said.

The actress who has featured in many Nollywood films such as the ‘Flower Girl’ among others said, “It’s about doing something different, empowering young people who will give us their own play to produce.

But we are hoping that with the competition, we will create a new generation of playwright that will be telling Africa stories that people will understand and relate with.