Many were entertained as young performers, last weekend, enthralled the audience with their exceptional artistic skills and expressive acting as they brought Ola Rotimi’s renowned dramas, The Gods Are Not to Blame and Kurunmi, to life.
The Gods Are Not to Blame, a Nigerian adaptation of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, is set in Yoruba culture. It narrates the tragic tale of Odewale, who unknowingly fulfills a prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother, despite his efforts to evade this fate.
Kurunmi is a historical drama that chronicles the resistance of the Yoruba warrior, Kurunmi, against modernization and British colonial influence. His defiance leads to a tragic conflict and ultimately his downfall, highlighting themes of tradition, change, and leadership.
The event also featured a captivating stage play titled ‘Legendary Women of Dahomey’, with Tomide Adeyemi and Tomisin Oladunni of Ladipo- Oluwole campus portraying King Guzu and the leader of the women warriors, respectively.
The play refers to the Dahomey Amazons, an all-female military regiment from the Kingdom of Dahomey (present-day Benin), celebrated for their exceptional bravery, combat skills, and pivotal role in the kingdom’s military history.
Additionally, Esther Yurkusi from Chrisland School Festac Area delivered a mesmerising song rendition, while Divine Emmanuel captivated the audience with a powerful spoken word performance.
The learners’ vibrant expressions of dance, drama, and fashion parade by Chrisland School VGC at the event themed ‘A Symphony of Stories: An Evening of Theatrical Wonders’ earned resounding applause from friends of the school, parents, and staff who were in attendance.
In her welcome address at the event, the Director of Schools, Mrs. Ayoola Akinyeye, expressed that the Arts are not just a form of entertainment, but a vital component of holistic education.
The theme of the event, she said, was aimed at celebrating the rich tapestry of African culture through dance, drama, stories, and traditions. that have shaped our heritage and continue to inspire our future.
According to her, through the creative arts, learners learn to express themselves, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate empathy. She added that the Arts also challenge learners to see the world from different perspectives and to appreciate the beauty of diversity.
While she described the night’s performances as a testament to the dedication and hard work of pupils and their teachers, she stressed the need to nurture creativity in educational institutions. “It is through the Arts that we can inspire the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and creators,” she added.
In an interview at the end of the stage play, 11-year-old Obaloluwa Layode, who acted as the tragic hero Odewale Ogundele in Ola Rotimi’s ‘The Gods are Not to Blame’, said he has a strong passion for acting and would like to be an actor when he grows up.
On how he was able to master his role and lines, he said, it took him a lot of days and nights, as well as the help of his friends, instructor, and headteacher. “Acting in this role has fueled my desire to be an actor,” he said.
“I feel accomplished and have learned that no matter your circumstance, you should never take your own life,” he said, disclosing his desire to become an actor or IT engineer in the future.”
A parent, Mr. Ayokunle Babasanya-Craig, expressed that the young actors’ performances was far beyond his expectations, saying, “I was happy to be a parent and impressed with the energy put in by the learners. Hopefully we can have this annually.”
Another parent, Mrs. Bukola Olateru, mother to Olamide Olateru, who played the role of Alaka in ‘The Gods Are Not to Blame’, commended the young actors for the presentation, saying that activities such as drama help them form critical thinking as well as help them express themselves better since art is about expression and showcasing talents.
She said, “Beyond the classroom, it is important to teach children how to develop themselves. A lot of people are making millions from arts and entertainment, and this is a good way to help them harness their talents. The school must do this annually.”
