Innovation Drives African Theatre’s Future, Veteran Actors Say

Veteran Nollywood actors and theatre professionals, Dr. Akin Lewis and Norbert Young highlighted the critical role of technological innovation in preserving and advancing African theatre during the TheatreMania Africa Summit 2024.

The summit, held on November 29, at Shodex Gardens in Ilupeju, Lagos, brought together theatre professionals from across the continent to explore how emerging technologies can transform theatrical arts while maintaining cultural integrity.

The event served as an important platform for discussing the intersection of tradition and innovation in African theatre. Alayande Stephen T., CEO and Co-Founder of TheatreMania Africa, opened the summit by reflecting on the importance of embracing technology in the evolution of African theatre.

He noted that the summit marked a turning point in the industry, one where practitioners would begin to integrate new technologies to meet global standards. “The summit is not just a gathering; it’s the beginning of a shift from tradition to transformation,” Stephen remarked, laying out his vision for the future of the industry.

Dr. Akin Lewis, a highly respected actor and director, shared his personal journey in the theatre, providing insight into the early challenges he faced. He recalled the resistance from his family, especially his father, who preferred traditional careers like engineering and accounting over the arts. “I had a big fight with my dad,” Lewis admitted, explaining that his father was initially opposed to his pursuit of theatre.

Despite the familial opposition, Lewis found ways to stay connected to his passion for theatre, from participating in drama programs and the school’s debating society to reading comic books and novels his father would buy for him. These formative experiences solidified his determination to follow his artistic path. By the time he left secondary school, he knew he wanted to be a part of the theatre world, although his father remained skeptical of his decision.

Lewis emphasized that innovation has been a key factor in keeping theatre relevant over the years. He shared that each year brought new ideas and creative approaches to productions, whether through dance, choir, or other forms of expression. “Actually, every year there would be something new. Something new. And that’s what kept theatre going,” Lewis said, underscoring the importance of continuous innovation in the survival of the art form.

Norbert Young, another prominent figure in the theatre industry, also discussed thetechnological evolution of theatre. He took the audience on a historical journey, tracing theatre’s development from the open-air performances of the ancient Greeks to the enclosed Roman theatres, and highlighted how technology has been integral throughout its history. “Technology has always been part of theatre, from the use of burning torches for lighting to today’s multimedia performances,” Young explained.

He shared his experience working on a recent production where sound and lighting were used to create an immersive experience, recalling how the combination of sand, lighting, and sound helped create the illusion of a beach on stage. “When we created the illusion of a beach on stage, the combination of sand, lighting, and sound made the scene come alive. It was magic,” Young recalled, demonstrating how these technological elements can enhance the theatrical experience.

Although there has been significant progress in integrating technology into theatre, Young acknowledged that Nigerian theatre has yet to fully embrace these innovations. Despite this, he remained optimistic about the future, predicting that more theatre professionals will adopt new technologies as the industry continues to grow. “It’s not fully embraced yet, but it will come,” he reassured the audience, reinforcing his belief that innovation will be an essential part of African theatre’s future.

Otunba (Barr) Olu Adenodi, another influential voice at the summit, shared his own experiences in the theatre industry and the passion that drives professionals in the field. Adenodi recounted his introduction to the theatre world in 2016, when he was invited to participate in an event at Harvard Law Square, which marked the beginning of his deep engagement with the “theatremania” movement. He explained that “theatremania” refers to a profound obsession and love for theatre, a quality he believes is essential for anyone looking to succeed in the field. “If you don’t have that obsession, you can’t build something as grand as this,” Adekoye said, emphasizing the importance of dedication and passion for theatre professionals. He encouraged attendees to wear the title of “theatremaniac” with pride, as it reflects the commitment and enthusiasm required to push African theatre forward.

As the summit drew to a close, key stakeholders called for greater investment in technological infrastructure for African theatre. Industry leaders emphasized the need for both government support and private investment to modernize facilities and training programs, ensuring that the sector has the necessary resources to thrive in the digital age. With the summit’s discussions and insights, it was clear that the future of African theatre lies in innovation and technology, and that with continued support, the industry will be poised to reach new heights.