On the 27th
day of March 2017 was WORLD THEATRE DAY and
it was observed in the whole world and our basic focus was at THE CRAB, University
of Port Harcourt Arts Theatre. The World Theatre Day which was held at University
of Port Harcourt Arts Theatre was organized by NANTAP (National Association of Nigeria
Theatre Arts Practitioners) Rivers State Chapter in collaboration with the
Dept. of Theatre Arts and Film Studies, University of Port Harcourt and ATAS (Association
of Theatre Arts Students). Prof.Julie Umiokro was the coordinator of the program
and she was assisted by Dr. Ovunda Ihunwo who was the chief MC of the program,
the program started around 11:00am with an opening prayer and protocols were observed.
The vice chancellor was represented by Professor. H. Bell-gam. A lecture about
the world theatre day was given by: Mr.
Adiele Onyedibia.
Mr. Adiele Onyedibia gave a lecture about the idea and bringing
back Live theatre culture and he
summarized by saying ; we should hold on to the theatre and not allow what was passed to us die in our hands, after that, a brief recognition of important personnel in the house which included: professors, Lecturers and personnel in the field were introduced and the NUTASA anthem was sang and the ceremony closed with a prayer and the was the end of phase 1 of the world theatre day which ended by 2pm at the CRAB.
summarized by saying ; we should hold on to the theatre and not allow what was passed to us die in our hands, after that, a brief recognition of important personnel in the house which included: professors, Lecturers and personnel in the field were introduced and the NUTASA anthem was sang and the ceremony closed with a prayer and the was the end of phase 1 of the world theatre day which ended by 2pm at the CRAB.
Second phase started
with building of shrine in preparation for the BONFIRE NIGHT. Two goat, kegs of
palm wine was brought, preparation of the stage and other minor preparations
were made between 3pm and 4pm. Interview sessions was held on important
personnel and students to find out what was going on within the environment.
Prof. Julie umuokoro; who told CRABTV that WORLD THEATRE DAY has been observed since 1961 therefore this year MARKS it the 56th year of its celebration. She added that Isabell Huppert who is a television producer in France gave a message about the world theatre day by 3:45am on MARCH 26th 2017(that is the message for this year’s celebration) she said that theatre is light and without theater you cannot really make head or tail with your life and it keeps you stress free therefore giving you partnership in society building. Prof. Julie further said that the lecture of Mr. Adiele did justice to the lecture given to him to lecture about “the idea on re-bringing Live theatre culture” and he gave a peep on how to do that. Today is a day of performance and there will be no gate fee it is also a day of entertainment and enjoyment as their will be a Barbecue of roosted goat and palm wine, s standup comedy, Choral group, dance and lots more. She was wearing a T-shirt which she explained was just for her and the MC (Dr. Ovunda Ihunwo) The T-shirt explain theatre as a unique art and love for it. She concluded that we are unity in the world of theatre art artist.
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| CRABTV Reporter interviewing Prof. Julie umuokoro |
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| CRABTV Reporter interviewing Prof. Julie umuokoro |
Prof. Julie umuokoro; who told CRABTV that WORLD THEATRE DAY has been observed since 1961 therefore this year MARKS it the 56th year of its celebration. She added that Isabell Huppert who is a television producer in France gave a message about the world theatre day by 3:45am on MARCH 26th 2017(that is the message for this year’s celebration) she said that theatre is light and without theater you cannot really make head or tail with your life and it keeps you stress free therefore giving you partnership in society building. Prof. Julie further said that the lecture of Mr. Adiele did justice to the lecture given to him to lecture about “the idea on re-bringing Live theatre culture” and he gave a peep on how to do that. Today is a day of performance and there will be no gate fee it is also a day of entertainment and enjoyment as their will be a Barbecue of roosted goat and palm wine, s standup comedy, Choral group, dance and lots more. She was wearing a T-shirt which she explained was just for her and the MC (Dr. Ovunda Ihunwo) The T-shirt explain theatre as a unique art and love for it. She concluded that we are unity in the world of theatre art artist.
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| Lecturers Dance Competition |
Dr. Ovunda Ihunwo, FTA., who is a
senior lecturer in the Department of
Theatre Arts and Film Studies, University of Port Harcourt and also an artist
event coordinator of the program, in an interview enlightened us more about the
world theatre day. He noted that the world theatre day is like Christmas to
those in theatre arts and therefore there will be lots of fun. Futhermore, emphasized that his not just a stakeholder of
the event but a practitioner of what he believes in.
The ATAS president who is a final
year student poured out his overwhelmed joy and promised on his honor that it
will be a memorial event.
Mr. Kelechi (a final year
student) who was pioneering the building of the shrine, said that the shrine represents
the theatre yearly ritual.
Different Levels wore different
uniform and one of them, Florence a
400level student whom was found to be wearing
yellow polo and blue Jeans, said that
that uniform was used to identify the final year students and their uniqueness
just as MTN’s Color is “Yellow’ and its everywhere so are the final years.
A female student of 300level
explained that the “blue jeans and red polo” was worn by the year 3 students of
Theatre & Film Studies . The “Red “Color they wore represented their love
for the Theatre. Another female student of year 2 Theatre & Film Studies opinioned
that the “Black polo and blue jeans” was an identification for year 2 students
and they wore it to show the uniqueness of the theatre.
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| Year (3) Three |
Victor Ekiti, a year 1 student
said that the “blue jeans and white polo”was worn by the year1 students. The white color
signifies their purity as year 1 students and that of the theatre.
Another group of people were seen in a stand designed
like a restaurant, this group of student represented by: Blessing Igwagu (a 3rd
year student) said that they prepared food for the event but the food was for
sale to those who would be hungry as the event was an all-day event.
At exactly 4:30PM ,the second
phase of the event kicked off and there were comedians like , Kaduna 1st
son , a 3rd year student of the Department of Theatre & Film
Studies and also the D.O.S (Director of Socials) started the next phase as an
MC of the program . Other important personnel like the ,Head of Department, Theatre
and Film Studies),Dr. Sam Dede, Incredible Mr. Wily Wily, Prof. Julie Okoh, Mr.
Sunday Edum, Mr. Imo and other honorable
lecturers of the dept. were present with other prominent dignitaries like the 7th Vice chancellor of the University
of Port Harcourt, Engr. Prof. Joseph A.
Ajienka were present as well .
Performers
were students and ex-students of the Department of Theatre & Film Studies did
lots of presentations liked Dancing competitions (Done by both students and lecturers),
Choreography, Drama presentation, standup comedy, singing and lots more. Among
the performers were Spencer (3rd year), Desmond (year 1) Kaduna 1st
son (3rd year).
The BONFIRE NIGHT was a memorial one as the WORLD THEATRE DAY ended with the sharing of Barbecue roasted Goat and
palm wine to all that was present in the event.
FOR MORE PHOTOS: World Theatre Day Celebration (Photos)
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REPORTER: Ogbonna Peace (Year 1 Student, Théâtre Arts & Film
Studies Dept.)
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