Follow Us on Google
TheatreMania Africa has successfully concluded a two-day intensive youth empowerment programme at Corona Secondary School (CSS), Agbara, Ogun State.
Tagged: ‘Generation Next Theatre (GNT)’, the programme was a collaboration aimed at bridging the gap between academic learning and creative industry experience.
Designed to mentor, inspire and unearth the next generation of thespian talents, the event brought together a formidable team of industry veterans, academic scholars and student participants for a transformative corporate-academic experience.
Day 1 kicked off with an immersive panel session moderated by GNT convener, Alayande Stephen and it featured veteran Nollywood actor and lecturer, Dr. Sam Uche Anyamele, Bukola Thomas, Dr. Ochuko Odesa, Julius Olaolu Oyekanmi, Tomiwa Songonuga and M.D Omisore.
The mentors engaged the students in rigorous discourse, challenging them to explore their creative potential while emphasizing discipline, character and socioeconomic viability of creative arts.
The second day shifted from theory to practical excellence. It opened with vibrant musical performances by the CSS Agbara Music Unit and Black Image Theatre Group, setting a high-octane tone for the afternoon.
The climax was the breathtaking presentation of Whispers 4.0, a collaborative stage play co-created and performed by the GNT Mentors, alongside members of Actors Guild, Corona Secondary School, Agbara. The performance left parents, teachers, non-teaching staff, and others in the audience mesmerized.
According to Innocent Oaikhena, Principal, Corona Secondary School, Agbara, “We believe that academic excellence must be paired with creative ingenuity to produce truly global citizens. An initiative of this magnitude is only possible through collaborative vision, and I extend my deepest appreciation to the GNT founders, coordinators, partners, and mentors for investing their wisdom into the next generation of African storytellers.
“Partnering with GNT Initiative has given our students an invaluable window into the real-world creative industry. Watching them share a stage seamlessly with industry big wigs during Whispers 4.0 was proof that with the right guidance, our youth can achieve global standards. This collaboration has sparked a new wave of confidence in our students.”
Alayande Stephen highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration. He said: “The Generation Next Theatre Initiative was conceived to ensure that the flame of African theatre does not die, but is passed on to well-prepared hands. Partnering with a prestigious institution like Corona Secondary School, Agbara allows us to catch these talents young and ground them in both the theory and practice of the craft.
“What we witnessed over the two days wasn’t just a school play; it was the birth of future industry leaders, and we are grateful to the Corona management for believing and supporting this vision.”
The event marks a significant milestone for TheatreMania Africa as it continues its mission to institutionalize theatre art training across secondary schools on the continent, proving that artistic expression is a critical pillar of youth development.
