Theatre professionals in Africa have emphasized the deployment of technological innovation in theatre productions.
This came to light at the maiden edition of TheatreMania Africa Summit (TAS) held on November 29, 2024, at the Main Hall of Shodex Gardens in Lagos.
With the theme “The Future of Theatre: Embracing Innovation And Technology in Theatre Production,” the summit created an avenue for stakeholders to discuss pertinent issues concerning the present and future of theatre in Nigeria and Africa at large.
As a curtain raiser, the chief executive officer/co-founder, TheatreMania Africa Festival, Alayande Stephen, explained that the summit was part of the activities geared towards the TheatreMania Africa Festival and Awards slated for October 2025, and subsequently in the next three years in Nigeria.
“This summit is a clarion call to action, a vision for how we as custodians of the African stories, of the African culture can harness the latest innovation to breathe life into our heritage and propel our art for renewal.
“Today, technology is not just a tool, but also an enabler of extraordinary possibilities. 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,” he declared.
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.
Speaking as a panelist 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.”
Another veteran actor, Norbert Young, expressed his excitement to be part of the event. “Theatre in Greek is ‘Theatron’ and it means ‘seeing place’ – a place where people gather to see things. Every act performed in a theatre is called theatre art. Technology has always been there and will keep improving. 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,” he noted.
Barrister Olu Adenodi, Managing Partner, Olu Adenodi & Partners, who doubles as the legal adviser of TheatreMania Africa, said TheatreMania has proven to be a tap used to dispense an intense obsession/enthusiasm with theatre, and other forms of creative endeavours.
He added: “The benefits of TheatreMania are many; some are embedded in community building, cultural engagement, personal growth and 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.”
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.
“It is my hope that through the panel discussions and other interactive sessions, there will be an endless flow of knowledge and guided directions towards ensuring that ultimately, the success of theatre productions as an outcome and in relations to its peculiarities in Nigeria and Africa, will be nurtured and applied in achieving the best theatre production practice that will set Nigeria and Africa apart.”
One of the panelists, Mrs. Jacinta MacJob, 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 finally have acknowledged it, what are we doing to change it?”
Some of the 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.
Other event partners were Showbiz magazine, Brand Times, Splash9ja, Nollywood Reporters, Eagles House, The Street University Project (TSUP), WAPTV etc.