The induction ceremony of the 100-level students of the Dramatic Arts department featured two nights of exhilarating performances at the Pit Theatre. These events marked the initiates’ official debut appearances on stage as students of the Obafemi Awolowo University.
Pulsating energy filled the air as initiates morphed into characters from the epic Duro Ladipo’s ‘Ajagun Ńlá.’ This play, reenacted by the initiates, portrays the fierce and valiant expedition of Ọ̀rọ̀gún against the Ìbàrìbá invaders.
‘Ajagun Ńlá’ opens with a communal scene at the marketplace that is quickly disrupted by the attack of the Ìbàrìbás, leading to the massacre of many villagers.
Known for his great exploits, Ọ̀rọ̀gún is summoned by his brother, Òrànmíyàn the King, to aid conquer the invasions of the 19th-century Ọ̀yọ́ Empire. The oracle prophesies that Ọ̀rọ̀gún Fágbàmílà will lead the army to the war front to ensure the total victory of the Ọ̀yọ́ Empire. As foretold, Ọ̀rọ̀gún Fágbàmílà conquers.
The oracle warns the people to beware of Èṣù, but both the king and the people refuse to listen. Èṣù finally manifests through an asylum seeker who causes discord between Ọ̀rọ̀gún and his wife. In the end, because of Èṣù’s diabolical influence that has permeated the land, Ọ̀rọ̀gún’s men betrayed him.
The zeal with which Ọ̀rọ̀gún fought further depicts him as a warrior who emerges in the face of any adversity.
To douse the palpable tension from the melancholic acts, the director interspersed the play with comedic scenes that served as comic relief at intervals. The chorus and drumming also enhanced the overall enjoyable experience for the audience.
Adékúnlé Joy Abímbólá, an inductee, shared her experience as a newcomer in the theatrical space with an ACJ-OAU correspondent. ‘I felt so scared to have my first performance at the Pit Theatre. I kept doubting my abilities. I didn’t know if I could pull it off or not. But as soon as I got on the stage, I didn’t know where the confidence came from.’
She revealed the challenges she had to face during rehearsals for the play. Projecting the encounters of student actors like herself, she commented on the physical exertion and mental strain she encountered during rigorous training and rehearsals. ‘Many of us weren’t aware of what our course of study entails before gaining admission into OAU. It was shocking when we were asked to squat, plank and jog under the intense sun while training. I sprained my ankles and couldn’t walk for days. There was even a day my stomach was stomped on, and this was after undergoing surgery.
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‘However, I miss the experience already. After initiation, our focus shifts to attending classes and reading; the practical aspect will be shelved temporarily,’ she said.
In retrospect, she remarked on what she could have done better. She realised that the rehearsals, which her peers and she felt were brutal, were just necessary training to shape them into better actors. Moreover, fear and doubt prevented her from auditioning for some roles which she was sure she would have embodied perfectly.