SEMINAR:

Theme: Reflecting on the Ori Olokun : Legacy & Aesthetic Dimensions for Learning and for Culture

Date: April 30; 4pm via Zoom

Synopsis:
The Webinar features original members of the Ori Olokun Theatre Company, which was founded in 1967. It was one of the earliest culturally-centred, professional performing arts organisations in post-independent Nigeria. under the artistic direction of Ola Rotimi (late). It was affiliated to the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife).

Concept Note:
In the concept note by Prof Niyi cooker of San Diego University, USA, himself a former student of the University of Ife, o the concept note, the Webinar Conference will feature presentations and discussions by the alumni of the Ori Olokun Theatre founded at the University of Ife by Ola Rotimi, which was a wholistic arts organization that was a representation of the African aesthetic and cosmology. Its aesthetic was totally African in outlook as there was no compartmentalization of African art into divisions of dance, music, theatre, fine art, etc as in the Western context. This was African through and through. It was a Performing Arts unit that symbolized a University which was committed to Africa-centered learning. The company comprised of many who after almost 5 decades will provide us insight into “how” they made history and preserved our cultural legacies in the years following Nigeria’s Independence.”

Among the Alumni of the company who would be featuring the Webinar are:

* Dr Emeka Akaezuwa – VC, Int’l Uni. of East Africa, Kampala, Uganda.
.*Mrs Banke Akosile Ola, now based in Manchester
.*Ms. Margaret Cleopatra Aninyen (nee Okonye), an author and NGO leader
* Mrs Bose Ayeni-Tsevende, director of Total New Image Theatre, Jos
* Sir Peter Badejo, OBE — Founder/Director, Badejo Arts, UK
* Dr Tunji Ojeyemi, director TURODE Theatre
* Dr Gabriel Adekola Oyewo, Asst. Prof, of Theatre Arts
.* Prof Akin Sofoluwe, retired University Professor of Theatre Arts
* Jimi Solanke, renowned Storyteller, Actor, Musician
* Mr Bob Sherry Oyeleke
* Otunba Charles Somade, retired Associate Professor
* Mr Kola Sorunke

Responders — drawn from the academic and the practising fields. These include:
* Omofolabo Ajayi-Soyinka, Prof. Emerita, University of Kansas, USA
* Deirdre Badejo, professor, University of Baltimore, USA
* Ms Toyin Bifarin Ogundeji, lecturer, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
* Dr Teju Kareem, theatre designer and art entrepreneur
* Dr Oyinlola Longe, lecturer, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife
* Prof. Ahmed Yerima, lecturer, Redeemer University, Ede, Osun State
* Israel Meriomame Wekpe, lecturer, University of Benin

The Webinar will be moderated by Jahman Anikulapo., Culture Curator//Producer

Convener of Webinar:
‘Niyi Coker
Professor & Director
School of Theatre, Television, & Film
San Diego University, USA

All inquiries to:
ncoker@sdsu.edu