The theatrical production Orita (The Crossroads), produced by Ajidans Studio, has been staged at the Bradford African Festival of Arts, BAFA, in Bradford, England.

Written and directed by Ajide Adeyemi, the production combines drama, music, dance and traditional Yoruba performance, drawing inspiration from Odu Ifá – Ìrosùn Méjì.

The play explores the Yoruba concept of life at the crossroads, using the decisions individuals make as a central theme. Set in the fictional kingdom of Ayédùn, the story follows a contest among young men seeking to marry Princess Irokojigbini.

The production presents power, wisdom and maturity as qualities demonstrated through integrity and responsibility rather than physical strength.

Fire and Rain are used as recurring motifs and characters throughout the performance, while the return to the crossroads towards the conclusion invites the audience to reflect on choices, pride, anger, wisdom and peace.

A notable feature of the production was its incorporation of Yoruba oral performance and traditional percussion into the theatrical presentation.

Bata and Dundun drums were introduced from the prologue, establishing the cultural setting and providing rhythmic elements throughout the performance.

Dance and percussion were integrated into the dramatic structure rather than being used solely as accompanying entertainment, while chants, storytelling and cultural symbolism were also incorporated into the production.

Among the cast members was actor and dancer Timothy Oyindamola Fagbamila, popularly known by his stage name, “Damodance”, who played the multiple roles of Opaleye, Molayo and Villager.

Fagbamila’s roles included Opaleye, one of the contenders seeking Princess Irokojigbini’s hand in marriage.

Through his portrayal of the different characters, Fagbamila combined acting, dance and movement, including Bata dance and acrobatic sequences, as part of his performance.

His role as Opaleye also involved presenting some of the philosophical issues explored by the production, particularly questions surrounding power, morality and human responsibility.

The integration of movement, percussion and dialogue in his performances contributed to the production’s use of Yoruba folk-theatre traditions.

The production’s use of traditional performance elements alongside contemporary theatre also provided a platform for Yoruba cultural expression within a British arts festival.

Orita (The Crossroads) combines theatre, dance, drumming, chants, storytelling and cultural symbolism to explore themes of choice, responsibility and morality.

The staging at BAFA also demonstrated how elements of Yoruba folk performance can be incorporated into contemporary theatre while retaining their cultural identity.