In this wide ranging Masterclass Professor Sunday Ododo talks about his early interest in theatre as a spectator and later theatre practitioner. He discusses how childhood exposure to theatre influences our vocation and that hearing the call to theatre is difficult to resist, even if one is encouraged into other professions.
While there are cultural universalities in theatre, understanding the distinctiveness of African theatre remains important, even while understanding that Africa itself contains enormous linguistic, cultural, and geographic diversity. African theatre has been shaped by indigenous fables and ways of performing, as well as European and American influences on the continent. There has been a lot of creative energy in exploring and deconstructing these influences.
As a director and playwright Professor Ododo has many ideas he shares in this interview. He believes in the immediacy of theatre and the symbiotic relationship between audiences and performers. Respond to the following prompts:
- 1. What advice does Professor Ododo give to young actors?
- 2. In what way can the internet help to improve theatre?
- 3. Outline Professor Ododo’s playwriting process.