To celebrate 50 years as the leading academic institution in Africa, the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan (UI) will in August receive its alumni in a grand ceremony at the university. Professor Duro Oni, chairman of both the association and the organising committee said in Lagos that an international conference and a grand homecoming dinner would hold from August 28 to 31.
He explained that the conference would host and unite scholars, culture practitioners, as well as government officials across five continents to investigate 50 years of Theatre in the African Academy.
He stated that the conference would focus on issues and topics, including Theatre in Africa and African Theatre; Methods, Theories and Frameworks; African Theatre in the Diaspora; Regional Studies; Theatre, Gender and Identity Studies; Theatre and Cultural Orientation; Theatre and the African Film Industry.
However, the high point of the celebration will feature the recognition of prominent alumni of the department during the ceremony. Among them are: Professors Geofrey Axworthy, J. A. Adedeji, Wole Soyinka, Dexter Lyndersay, Ebun Clark, Demas Nwoko, Dapo Adelugba, Femi Osofisan and Esohe Molokwu. Others include Professors Duro Oni, Lanre Bamidele, Mathew Umukoro, Saint Gbilekaa, Charity Angya, Mabel Ervierhoma, Segun Ojewuyi and Sunday Ododo.
On the same list are Reuben Abati, Chuks Okoye, Tunde Awosanmi, Battiloi Warritay, Wasee Kareem, Longley Evru, Jahman Anikulapo, Sola Balogun, Greg Odutayo, Femi Jarrett, Taiwo Oladokun, and Pamela Udoka.
Professor Oni also stated that the 50th anniversary celebration kicked off on March 8, 2013 with the first Geoffrey Axworthy Lecture titled: "The Ritual Pursuit", delivered by Prof. Wole Soyinka at the Trenchard Hall of the university. The celebration would thus continue in August with both the international conference and the home coming dinner.
