FUNAI Theatre Arts Students in Debut Performance

The Department of Theatre Arts of Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (FUNAI), Ebonyi has vowed to live up to the expectations of its establishment by arousing social change through their theatre performances.

This was revealed recently during the debut performance of two plays – “The First Lady” and “The Hounourable Chairman”, written by a member representing Orlu, Osu and Oru East constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jerry Alagboso.

The Playwright, Hon. Jerry Alagboso speaking during the stage performance

The performance of the plays which were a satire of the Nigerian political and academic system was geared towards instilling an ideal level of thinking and consciousness among the Nigerian populace, especially politicians and academics in other to get the country back on track.

Variety dance display during the event

The First Lady captured succinctly the typical Nigerian politician’s quest for power, not to improve the society or better the lives of the people but for self-aggrandizements and enrichments. It also exemplified the transient nature of power, and the need for politicians and those at the corridors of power to use the opportunity they have been afforded to do worthwhile things.

A scene in the First Lady play

The Honourable Chairman depicted the mad rush for honourary doctorate degrees by most Nigerian politicians and the complicity of the academic world in the scheme despite the fact that most of the awardees lack intellectual capacity and good social standing. Yet, the honourari causa are given to them because of their fat bank accounts.

Cross section of the audience appreciating the artistic performance of the students

Speaking after the highly entertaining, educating and hilarious performance by the 100-level Theatre Arts students, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba extolled the playwright for his intellectualism despite the demands of his office as a legislator and the department for equipping the students with such sellable skills in a short time.

He added that the performance of the two plays could not have come at a better time than now that the University is verifying the certificates of its workers to determine their authenticity.

VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba speaking at the event

He advised staff with forged certificates and those working and doing their National Youth Service Corps at the same time to resign from the University immediately before the long arm of the law catches up with them at the conclusion of the exercise by the Certificate Verification Committee.

In his remarks, the playwright, Hon. Alagboso expressed his satisfaction on the extraordinary performances of the cast and crew despite the notable challenges posed by non-availability of a drama theatre in the University, advising them to continue to practice and develop themselves in other to be the best in their chosen field.

He further pledged his full legislative support for the growth and advancement of the University especially in building a befitting Art theatre for the University.

The highpoint of the event was a donation of N100, 000 each by Prof. Nwajiuba and Engr. Chibueze Idam respectively, and N500, 000 by Hon. Alagboso to the theatre arts students for their impressive performances.

L-R: VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, Deputy Chairman, Appropriation Committee, House of Representatives, Hon. Jerry Alagboso, and other guests during the event