‘Stage Drama Will Bounce Back’

A frontline dramatist, Williams Aruwayo, otherwise known as Willy, has decried the lack of corporate patronage and government lack of interest in theatre arts practice, particularly the dying stage drama.

Aruwayo who was part of 1986 Ajo Festival, lamented the insecurity and emergence of home video which, he said, are negatively affecting stage drama, describing it as an unfortunate situation.

Speaking with P.M.Entertainment, the Ilaje Ese-Odo, Ondo State-born Willy stated that ‘one of our problems lies with the non- availability of places like National Arts Theatre where halls can be rented at reduced costs to stage drama.

He further argued: “Even the theatre has been commercialised in a way that if you don’t have money, you cannot go there. It is supposed to be home for artistes but now, weddings and other events have taken over. So if you consider these impediments, one is weighed down.”

He called on stakeholders to wake up from their slumber and source proper funding of the sector from government and corporate organisations, adding that “sometimes, sponsors renege on terms of agreement but we have to keep the flag flying”.

Willy, however, expressed the belief that solution is on the way, “there is hope that the stage arena will bounce back as all hands are on deck to ensure its revival.”

Aruwayo has worked with acts such as Ben Tomoloju, Antar Laniyan and Jahman Anikulapo among others. He also featured in Jankariwo by Ben Tomoloju and Prof. Wole Shoyinka’s Jero’s Metamorphosis among others.

—Kayode Aponmade