By Olu James
Popular Nollywood actors including Norbert Young, Akin Lewis and other theatre practitioners recently converged on Shodex Gardens, Lagos to explore the theme: ‘Future of Theatre: Embracing Innovation And Technology in Theatre Production’ at the first edition of TheatreMania Africa Summit organised by TheatreMania Africa Festival.
In his opening speech, the Chief Executive Officer/Co-founder, TheatreMania Africa Festival, Alayande Stephen said the summit was a clarion call to action for practitioners to determine how latest technology could be harnessed to breathe life into and propel theatre art for renewal. He also emphasised the significance of the event at part of the activities geared towards the TheatreMania Africa Festival and Awards scheduled for next year October in Nigeria.
“Today, technology is not just a tool, but also an enabler of extraordinary possibilities,” he noted, “Digital projections, augmented reality, virtual reality, 3D sound space and even robotics have transformed stages into domestic environment, allowing the audience to experience narratives with dynamics and deeply engaging roots.” While appreciating the input of Paul Uwagbai, Co-Founder/Creative Director of TAF, Alayande used the opportunity to call on brands to partner with TheatreMania Africa.
Also speaking at the event, veteran actor, Akin Lewis, said that if not for innovation, theatre would have been long dead. “There’s always something new and that’s what kept theatre alive. In Nigeria, theatre has suffered; we have to create and bring in those innovations. Technology has brought a lot of new things, it is just that the rest of the world is far ahead of us and we have to do better.”
Norbert Young allayed the fears of many when he said there’s no way robots could replace human beings in theatre. Hear him: “As actors and actresses, we need to keep innovating. No matter the level of technology, I don’t see AI replacing the human angle because as actors we’re good at what we do and whenever there are errors, we’re able to cover it up unlike AI. Technology is going to enhance theatre and not replace it.”
Barrister Olu Adenodi, who’s also the legal adviser of TheatreMania Africa, enumerated the benefits of theatre, saying some are embedded in community building, cultural engagement, and personal growth. “One that excites me most is the stress relief aspect; which is an enjoyable escape from daily life stress, thus promoting relaxation, entertainment and good mental health,” he stated.
In his remarks, chairman, Guild of Nigeria Dance Practitioners, Lagos State chapter, Barrister Ugo Obiayo represented by Lekan Akinruli, said the event has achieved its goal, which is to create an avenue for stakeholders to meet and discuss pertinent issues concerning the industry.
Mrs. Jacinta MacJob, a panelist, said, “Innovation isn’t a standstill thing, it is a movement and it has to start with letting practitioners know if there is a lacuna. And if there is one and when we have finally acknowledged it, what are we doing to change it?”
Major highlights of the summit included donations of picture frames of iconic figures like Prof. Wole Soyinka, Ebo Whyte (Ghana) and the late Chief Hubert Ogunde to Shodex Gardens Museum. Also, the event witnessed mini exhibition by two supporting brands, Platos Health and QUIDBOT. There were equally energetic performances from Crown Troupe of Africa led by Segun Adefila and Uwagbai-led Black Gold Theatre Troupe.
Showbiz magazine, Brand Times, Splash9ja, Nollywood Reporters, Eagles House, The Street University Project (TSUP), and WAPTV among others emerged as event partners.