Femi Osofisan @80: A Theatrical Universe Celebrates A Master Of Nigerian Drama
(A) Opening Celebration: Theatre as Tribute
CELEBRATIONS marking the 80th birthday of renowned playwright, poet, and cultural intellectual Professor Femi Osofisan opened on June 8 at the Wole Soyinka Arts Theatre, University of Ibadan. The event began with a staged presentation of Love’s Unlike Lading, a satirical reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, performed by students and staff of the University of Ibadan Theatre Arts Department.
The production ran for three days, culminating in a command performance that set the tone for an 8-day multi-venue cultural homage.
(B) Osofisan’s Theatre of Reinterpretation
First published in 2012, Love’s Unlike Lading reflects Osofisan’s signature method: reshaping classical texts through Nigerian socio-political realities. The adaptation transforms Shakespearean themes into contemporary commentary on justice, inequality, and social breakdown.
Directed by Yinka Smart Babalola and others, the production involved over 100 performers, creating a collective theatrical experience rooted in ensemble storytelling.
(C) Lagos Programme: Expanding the Celebration
The anniversary celebration expanded into Lagos with performances, lectures, and artistic reflections. LASUED staged Yungba Yungba and the Dance Contest, directed by Bunmi Adedina, while Crown Troupe of Africa presented No More the Wasted Breed at Freedom Park.
At JRandle Centre, cultural critic Ben Tomoloju delivered a reflective lecture titled The Femi Osofisan I Know, followed by the unveiling of 100 Songs of Femi Osofisan, a multimedia archival project.
(D) Scholarly Roundtables and Critical Reflections
A major academic roundtable explored Osofisan’s legacy through the theme Drama and the Deconstruction of the Nigerian Postcolonial State. Scholars, filmmakers, and theatre practitioners including Tunde Kelani, Mabel Evwierhoma, and Akin Adesokan engaged in critical dialogue on his impact.
Another session focused on Interpreting Osofisan for the Stage, reinforcing his continuing relevance in global theatre discourse.
(E) Ibadan Closing Programme: Archival Memory and Global Reach
The celebrations concluded in Ibadan with screenings of international and academic stage adaptations of Osofisan’s works, including productions from Ghana and Texas A&M University.
These screenings were followed by discussions and tributes highlighting his global academic and artistic footprint.
The talk and roundtables will also be accessible via Zoom. To attend virtually, audiences may register using the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/8q1R0ZdaQrGNBrbDEY4YRA
(F) Osofisan’s Life and Legacy
Born in 1946 in Erunwon, Osofisan’s academic journey spans Ibadan, Dakar, and Paris. A prolific writer, he has produced over 40 plays and multiple literary works, shaping modern African theatre through political satire and cultural critique.
He remains a towering figure in African literature, with awards including the Nigerian National Order of Merit and international honours recognising his intellectual contributions.
