Beautiful Camp 2: A space for creatives to grow, connect, collaborate
By Seunrere Anikulapo
THE Beautiful Camp 2 programme, facilitated by Dr. Patrick-Jude Oteh of Jos Repertory Theatre (JRT) and sponsored by Czech-Aid and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was held from Sunday, September 21 to Thursday, September 25, at the Bible Guest House, Wuse, Abuja. The programme brought together both upcoming and professional creatives from across Nigeria, among them were theatre practitioners, filmmakers, journalists, photographers, writers, actors, lawyers, choreographers, and more.
After arrivals on Sunday, the camp immersed participants in a week of creativity, games, and learning, hosting at least three classes per day on diverse subjects. Training sessions included lessons on Czech history, press freedom, human dignity advocacy, and the role of creativity in society. Throughout the week, participants also learned practical skills such as shooting professional photographs and creating documentaries with their mobile phones.
Discussions went deep into urgent social issues, including trauma and the cruel treatment endured by vulnerable communities, as well as the responsibility of artists to serve as the voice of the people. The camp emphasized how creatives can act as both advocates against injustice and healers in a society scarred by brokenness and division.
One of the most insightful sessions was on press freedom, human dignity, and cyberbullying, facilitated by journalist, writer, and respected figure in the Nigerian culture community, Mr. Anote Ajeluorou. The conversation shed light on the fundamental rights violations faced daily by Nigerians, including the blatant suppression of free speech. Many camp members admitted to fearing the consequences of calling out misconduct online, noting the dangers of being singled out, losing their sources of livelihood, or becoming victims of online witch hunts. Mr. Ajeluorou guided them through strategies for engaging in safe online advocacy without compromising their well-being.
Other remarkable sessions included one on Czech history and foreign policy, followed by a lively debate that was facilitated by a legal practitioner, who is passionate about civic discourse and spoken word poet, Mr. Babatunde Towobola (also known as ‘8th Sage’). A hands-on workshop on mobile phone documentary production was facilitated by a notable filmmaker and storyteller, Ishaku Dashon, while additional filmmaking and trauma-understanding classes, as well as creative game sessions were led by the multi-disciplinary artist and educator, Osasogie Efe Guobadia.
Fehintola Simeon-Umukoro (left); Beautiful Camp Coordinator and Director, Jos Repertoire Theatre Dr. Patrick-Jude Oteh; Camp Manager, Roseline Ikese and photographer, Eniyome Onoviran
One of the most engaging highlights was a debate on the statement, “I don’t believe in art; I believe in the artist” conducted by Mr. Towobola. The discussion sparked enlightening exchanges among the campers and served as an exercise in critical thinking and peaceful debate.
Another memorable moment was the arrival and speech given by the new Czech Ambassador to Nigeria H.E. Tomas Vyprachticky and an experimental theatre performance based on Václav Havel’s Protest, facilitated by theatre scholar, director and The Second Secretary in charge of Economic and Commercial Affairs at the Czech Embassy, Abuja, Marie Nwanyanwu.
The performance, brought to life by the campers themselves, demonstrated the power of experimental theatre over conventional forms, and creating a platform for exploring diverse topics such as Czech history, socio-political situations, democracy and the human condition
The camp was not only intellectually enriching but also filled with fun, bonding, and shared experiences. With meals provided and stipends offered to ease their stay, participants were able to fully immerse themselves in a co-equal community Beautiful Camp sought to create. During a panel discussion hosted by Nwanyanwu on the camp experiences, many campers expressed how, despite coming from diverse ethnic, religious, and generational backgrounds, they found common ground in mutual respect and a shared passion for the arts, as divers of their various passions for a better society.
At the close of the programme, campers gave glowing praise to Czech Aid for supporting such an initiative and providing a space for creatives to grow, connect, and collaborate. They expressed their hopes that the Beautiful Camp programme would continue for many more years and help in the urgent task of nurturing artists and strengthening the creative community across Nigeria.
