By Chris Onuoha

The National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), Lagos State chapter joined other thespians globally to mark “World Theatre Day (WTD)” in Lagos. The event which originally holds in March was shifted due the elections in the country, but bent on moving with other countries the group held its own leg of it in an epoch event which also featured the celebration of distinguished thespians and cultural ambassadors and investiture of World Theatre Day (WTD) Distinguished Personality, Bolanle Austen-Peters.

*A cultural performace during the World Theatre Day celebration by NANTAP

The event which was held on Friday June 26 at National Art Theatre, Lagos, was chaired by Rilwanu Bello-Osagie and Connie Price, Country Director British Council, Lagos as guest speaker.

It also attracted stakeholders in art and culture industry like Prof. Duro Oni of University of Lagos, theatre practitioners, stage drama aficionados in a culturally embellished style laced with performances by indigenous dance groups – Sound and Sight de l’Afrique, The Great Crown Troupe of Africa and with a stint of hilarious rib crack from ace comedian Teju Baby face.

Rilwanu Bello-Osagie, the chairman of the event alongside other speakers commented on the significant role theatre played as bedrock of entertainment industry in the country under which Nollywood thrived. They all commended NANTAP’s effort in recognizing thespians and especially the gaits of Bolanle Austen-Peters who they described as an epitome of resilience and success story.

On her part, British Council Country Director in Lagos, Connie Price described Austen-Peters’ award as an honour well deserved for an emerging Amazon, adding that “she is  a dynamic, innovative game changer with strong passion and drive for moving theatre forward.”

In her address titled, “Theatre & Conflict Resolution in the 21st Century”, she said that theatre is a good tool for conflict resolution in the society. The soft spoken and articulate Connie hinged on concept of conflict, interpretation of theatre and how theatre has stimulate and facilitate a deep and lasting change in societal responses to conflict.

“Theatre is one of the most powerful expressions of a culture and for thousands of years have been used to hold up a mirror to human society which has not always been welcomed even when it has done so.” She said.

Quoting from Martin Luther’s words, “Non violence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time; the need for mankind to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to oppression and violence. Mankind must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression, and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love”

Corroborating her views in line with theatre, she said, “Theatre encompasses such a wide range of experience for both audience and practitioners –through traditional performance in a space. Theatre has brought some of the most powerful practices into the sphere of conflict resolution – role modeling, practice, listening, mime, language and play.”

Speaking of conventional theatre as having non-participatory focus, she said that participatory theatre built on conventional platform gives an opportunity to address issues and provides an active way for the audience and community to become involved.

“Through the use of participatory theatre which addresses real social and societal issues, public takes their time to reflect on the issues at stake, asks questions in order to find a common, sustainable solution to the present conflict.” Finally, she advocates for need to look seriously at theatre as a critical tool for conflict management, an engaging approach that support the peace building and conflict resolution agenda.

Earlier,  Lagos NANTAP chairman, Eki Faith Eboigbe who expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests said as the first female chairman of NANTAP Lagos, she has contributed milestone projects to the sustainability of the association. She then appealled to government to come to aid of theatre practitioners.

“As we commemorate this day in celebration of the Artist and the practice of Theatre, NANTAP Lagos seize the opportunity to call attention to established policies on Art and Culture, and advocate areas of implementing sustainable structure that will create enabling environment for practitioners.”

The awardees were: Osita Ezenwanebe, Peace Anyiam Osigwe, Femi Odugbemi, Yemi Shodimu, Laja Adedoyin, Tunji Bamishigbin and Efe Omorogbe for Cultural Ambassadors while Lancelot Imasuen Oduwa led the Certified Thespian award recipients alongside Ejike Asiegbu, Bunmi Davies, Pat Oghre Imobhio, Rogers Ofime, Teju BabyFace Oyelakin, Najite Dede and Emem Isong.