World Theatre Day: Industry Players Push for Revival of Nigerian Theatre.
By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju.
A Nollywood actor, Babatunde Ojobaro, popularly known as Mister Rain, has said Nigeria’s theatre industry is yet to reach its full potential.
Ojobaro made this known while commemorating World Theatre Day, observed annually on March 27.
The day celebrates theatre arts and their impact on society, highlighting the role of stage performance in storytelling, cultural expression and social change.
According to Ojobaro, although Nigeria boasts immense talent, compelling stories and willing audiences, the sector still lacks the structures required to thrive.
He identified key challenges as inadequate performance spaces, limited funding and weak audience development.
“The major challenges include few functional performance spaces, poor funding and sponsorship structures, as well as weak audience development from schools and communities.
“In addition, theatre is not yet treated as an economic sector, and many practitioners migrate to other industries or abroad.
“In short, we have the creativity but not enough infrastructure,” he said.
Ojobaro stressed the need for deliberate efforts to grow the sector, including the establishment of community theatre hubs, reintroduction of theatre in schools and stronger collaboration among practitioners.
He also called for improved digital visibility and proper positioning of theatre within the creative economy.
“These steps will strengthen the ecosystem and accelerate growth,” he added.
The actor further urged government at all levels to play active roles by providing accessible venues, creating production grants and reviving school theatre festivals.
“Supporting technical theatre training for youth employment and partnering with existing organisations are equally important,” he said.
He described theatre as a powerful tool for education, employment, cultural preservation and national storytelling.
Similarly, a 300-level Theatre Arts student at the University of Ibadan, Odama Bakari, described theatre as a dynamic and immersive art form that connects people.
“It is the magic of the stage, where raw emotions meet action. Whether it’s fantasy or realistic drama, theatre brings stories to life.
“It is a total art form involving script, movement and set design, all working together to build a world before an actor speaks,” he said.
Bakari noted that in Nigeria, theatre also serves as a bridge to cultural roots, transforming oral traditions and proverbs into modern expressions.
He added that World Theatre Day serves as a source of motivation for aspiring practitioners.
“As a student and aspiring actor, the day validates our commitment to the craft and reminds us of its global relevance,” he said.
While acknowledging improvements in technology and production quality, Bakari said more investment in infrastructure and creative spaces was needed.
“We need more functional theatres across cities to reduce the burden of centralisation, especially in Lagos,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of strengthening links between academic institutions and the professional industry to make theatre a viable career path.
“When students see clear pathways to paid opportunities, the quality of output will improve,” he added.
Also speaking, a 400-level student, Awah Mfonobong, described theatre as a collaborative art that blends acting, directing, music, costumes, lighting and set design.
She said World Theatre Day offers practitioners a rare moment of recognition.
“Theatre is often misunderstood and underappreciated, but this day reminds us that our work matters,” she said.
Mfonobong called on policymakers to improve funding and infrastructure to make theatre more accessible and inclusive.
“If properly supported, theatre will not be limited to certain social classes but open to everyone,” she said.
World Theatre Day was established in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) and first celebrated in 1962.