Hafiz Oyetoro, Joke Muyiwa on ground as Alayande varsity inducts new theatre practitioners

UNITY, which was the theme for this year’s induction of new Theatre Arts students of the Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, could not have come at a better time, especially going by the divisions among adherents of the three religions professed in Nigeria, as well as tribal differences, which are gradually undermining the country’s development. 

The new students were, therefore, through their performances, able to showcase the importance of unity for the development of the society.

Before the programme kicked off, the supervisory coordinator/consultant for the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, Professor Laide Nasir, explained why it is important for all theatre arts practitioners to be inducted before they begin their profession.

Professor Nasir, who is from the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, said: “When we talk about theatre, we talk about performances, entertainment, ceremonies, among others. Therefore, induction is the first step theatre practitioners take before coming into the industry.

“During inductions, established practitioners pray for the progress and development of the new ones who are just joining the profession. Today, we have great practitioners, Dr Hafiz Oyetoro, popularly known as ‘Saka,’ and Dr Joke Muyiwa, who would pray and admonish the new practitioners.

“Dr Oyetoro and Dr Muyiwa will guide the students on the dos and don’ts of the profession in order for them to succeed.”

As soon as the performance started, it was immediately known that the students had been handled by some of the best theatre practitioners in the industry, including the head of the institution’s Theatre Arts unit, Mrs Toyin Ayansina.

Speaking on the preparation for the performance, Mrs Ayansina said it took about three months of rigorous trainings for the students to perfect their movements.

“It was difficult at first because the students had to be subjected to series of exercises to enhance flexibility, endurance and team bonding.

“So it was hard; there were complaints of body aches, some fell sick, but they finally got used to it over time.

“I, however, want to say that due to the rigorous trainings, there was no real challenge during the actual performance, and that was why it went smoothly,” Mrs Ayansina said.

The costumes, stage settings, lighting, among others, all showcased a touch of professionalism, while the rhythm of their movements revealed the long hours they had spent practising for the big day.

Through the infusion of songs from the Christian, Islamic and traditional faiths, the students highlighted the need for unity among adherents of the three religions.

Also, the depiction of deities like Osun, Sango, Ogun, Obatala, Yemoja, among others, got the audience into frenzy. Sango, in particular, was able to breathe out fire to the delight of the audience, who included family members of the inductees.

The appearance of Dr Oyetoro and Dr Muyiwa also created a buzz among students, who saw their heroes, perhaps in person, for the very first time.

The two theatre giants then prayed for the inductees, just as they charged them to work harder in order to achieve their dreams in the theatre profession.

The performance was watched by the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Olanrewaju Olaniyan; the Head of Department of Fine and Applied Arts, Dr C.O. Ojelabi, and other principal staff of the institution.

Professor Olaniyan commended the inductees for the performance.

He also charged Dr Oyetoro and Dr Muyiwa to continue to mentor the inductees as they continue their academic training in the profession. 

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