LASU VC Champions Tech in Theatre Arts

Embracing Technology in Theatre Arts: A Call for Innovation and Cultural Preservation

The Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, has emphasized the urgent need to integrate technology into the teaching and practice of theatre arts in Nigeria. She highlighted that the profession’s future depends on its ability to adapt to new digital realities. This call was made during her address at the 2025 annual conference of the Society of Nigerian Theatre Artists (SONTA), which took place at LASU, Ojo. The event, themed “Technology, Intercultural Dialogue and the Future of the Performing Arts,” marked a significant milestone as it was hosted on the university campus for the first time in almost four decades.

Olatunji-Bello noted that the conference provided an essential platform for critical reflection on the evolving role of technology in performance. She stated, “The theme of this year’s SONTA conference is both timely and thought-provoking. It invites us to reflect on how evolving technologies are transforming the way we create, share and experience performance.” She also emphasized the importance of intercultural dialogue as a tool for unity, empathy, and innovation, while calling for a future where culture and performing arts remain powerful forces for social change, cultural preservation, and global connection.

A Commitment to Creative Education

To support this vision, Olatunji-Bello highlighted LASU’s commitment to the creative industry by establishing the School of Creativity, Culture and Tourism Studies in 2023. This initiative aims to consolidate the teaching of creative disciplines under one roof. Hosting the SONTA conference, she said, reinforces the belief that the performing arts are not just a means of entertainment but instruments of education, empowerment, and transformation.

The outgoing President of SONTA, Prof. Gowon Doki, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence, has become unavoidable in theatre practice. He remarked, “The theme is not only apt but strategic, because technology today is no longer a side chick but the main wife.” Doki stressed the need for practitioners to reconcile their work with the principles of AI to remain relevant in a fast-changing world.

He warned that every profound transformation in the 21st century requires technology, and those who fail to adapt risk obsolescence. “This conference seeks to explore the critical intersections between technology, intercultural dialogue and the future of the performing arts. I am optimistic that scholars will offer insightful recommendations that will guide us going forward,” he added.

Addressing National Challenges Through Art

Reflecting on his tenure, Doki shared that SONTA has achieved several milestones, including transforming the Nigerian Theatre Journal into a high-impact, globally recognized publication and expanding membership. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the organization and highlighted the successful hosting of annual conferences, quality research publications, and strategic partnerships.

Doki urged Nigerian theatre artists to use their craft to address national challenges. “Our ink of creativity must be refilled, just as our instincts must be pricked to engage with the issues bedevilling the nation. Poverty, insecurity, corruption, unemployment, and the collapse of cultural values are themes that must be critically examined,” he said. He called on playwrights, directors, costumiers, choreographers, designers, critics, and communication experts to anchor the search for solutions through their work.

He argued that the theatre artist remains well-positioned to guide Nigeria through turbulent times. “The theatre artist who can relax nerves while interpreting issues is the most qualified to guide Nigeria to success at this time. Many citizens are demotivated and disillusioned, and we must galvanise a more positive and patriotic populace through our profession,” he concluded.

New Leadership and Forward Momentum

The conference also marked the election of Prof Tunji Azeez as the new SONTA president. Other members of the new executive committee include Prof Adediran Ademiju-Bepo, Prof Osakue Omoera, Prof Tochukwu Okeke, Dr Tosin Tume, Prof AbdulRasheed Adeoye, Dr Ruth Epochi-Olise, Dr Bunmi Adedina, Dr Ola Ifatimehin, and Dr Jimmy Akoh.

Over 200 well-researched papers were presented at the LASU conference, where scholars made recommendations on how technology, culture, and theatre can be better integrated for national development. These discussions underscored the importance of innovation and collaboration in shaping the future of the performing arts in Nigeria.