From Aspiring Students to Thespians: OAU Dramatic Arts Initiation Ceremony 2024

 Adeyemi Michael

The Department of Dramatic Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) held its annual initiation ceremony for new students on Thursday, December 18, 2024. This event marks an important rite of passage into the world of theatre and is a well-known tradition within the department of dramatic arts, often referred to by students as "Introduction to Ritual Madness."


The initiation serves as the peak of a rigorous six-week training program designed to prepare the inductees for the demanding life of a thespian (actor). During this period, students undergo intensive training in stage acting and management, African dance, drumming, voice and song training, acting, and speech. They also participate in endurance exercises such as jogging, jumping, squatting, and overnight rehearsals to develop flexibility and adaptability.


The three-day initiation ceremony began with a two-day play staging on Tuesday and Thursday, showcasing the inductees’ theatrical skills. The finale on Thursday featured the formal induction ceremony.


The day started with a procession of the inductees from the Dramatic Arts Department to the Student Union Building (SUB), before returning to "The Pit Theatre," the department's practical training auditorium. The Pit Theatre witnessed different performances and the symbolic initiation of the new thespians, with veteran actors Afeez Oyetoro (popularly known as SAKA) and Lanre Hassan (popularly known as IYA AWERO) presiding as the Chief Priest and Priestess of the ceremony. Their role is to pray for the new students and officially welcome them into theatre life by declaring them thespians. The word 'thespian' comes from Thespis, an ancient Greek actor and playwright who is believed to be the first person to perform individual roles in Greek theatre, stepping out from the chorus. This earned him the title of the ‘first actor.’ By calling the new students thespians, they are not only welcomed into theatre but also into a tradition that goes back to the very beginnings of drama.


Addressing the inductees, the Chief Priestess declared, “You have now become thespians,” officially welcoming them into the prestigious world of theatre.


One of the inductees, Solomon, shared his experience: “It was challenging but incredibly rewarding. The training pushed me beyond my limits, and now I feel prepared for anything.”

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