DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE ARTS HOSTS PERFORMANCE SEASON: TO RETURN FROM THE VOID & VANISHING VAPOUR

The Department of Theatre Arts, University of Maiduguri, has hosted its annual Season of Plays, reaffirming that theatre is not merely a form of entertainment but also a powerful tool for dialogue, education, and transformation.

Dr. Uwaoma C. Nwazue, Head of the Department of Theatre Arts, noted that the productions are not only a showcase of students’ talents but also an essential aspect of their academic training. He explained that the Season of Plays is central to the department’s curriculum, providing students with the opportunity to translate theory into practice while engaging both the university community and the wider public in the appreciation of live theatre.

According to him, the productions form part of the requirements for THA 499 and other practical examinations for final-year students, representing the culmination of their training. Each performance, he emphasized, is carefully selected and directed to test students’ ability to merge classroom theories with the demands of live performance.

He added that this year’s plays explore both universal and local themes. To Return From the Void reflects on resilience and the strength of the human spirit, while An Haifi Sarki draws from Hausa cultural traditions to examine leadership and heritage. Vengeance of the Spirit engages with themes of justice, spirituality, and morality, issues that strongly resonate in contemporary Nigerian society.

The season also featured experimental plays and a dance showcase highlighting students’ creativity, with short performances tackling topics ranging from identity to modern social challenges. It concluded with a vibrant dance and choral concert celebrating cultural diversity and the unifying power of performance.

The events were held at the University of Maiduguri’s El-Kanemi Hall on Tuesday, 9th September, 2025.