February 6, 2025
Review

‘Lángbòdó’: My experience as a student actor in an epic performance

anote
  • January 26, 2025
  • 5 min read
‘Lángbòdó’: My experience as a student actor in an epic performance

By Chukwuma Sunday Onuoha

THE 55th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos came to a climax with the thrilling stage performance Lángbòdó by Wale Ogunyemi and directed by playwright Mr. Ben Tomoloju. served as the official performance of the 55th convocation event and staged at the university’s main auditorium (Chief Adewunmi Hall) on January 17th and 20th, 2025, respectively. Lángbòdó was a production of the university’s Creative Arts Department, and artistically realised by the directorial ingenuity of Mr. Tomoloju who satisfactorily conveyed the playwright’s intention and message to the attentive audience.

Lángbòdó starred a host of talented student actors and actresses that included myself Chukwuma Sunday Onuoha (as Old Akara Oogun – sage and narrator) in the play. Old Akara Oogun is an old man and sage, one who is full of wisdom from his past adventures and vast experiences and encounters. His past adventures were part of perilous quests to save his kingdom that was facing physical, spiritual and moral challenges. He, acting as a narrator, apportioned actors to re-enact his encounters on stage. These coordinated experiences reveal his successes and failures, strength and weaknesses, his bravery, heroism and catharsis. This evokes a sense of pity on him through purgation of emotion, as we see his downfall in the story.

As a vibrant young man, playing the role of an old man was in itself a huge task, but with the help of the director, who gave a very detailed explanation of the character and his background, it helped shape my understanding of my role to deliver it to the best of my ability. Also, thorough research and careful observation of the mannerisms and comeliness of older people I met while rehearsing for the role helped a great deal. I was able to interpret the role better and with ease. However, other concerns surfaced which posed a challenge to me. Ethnic differences was one of them. As an Igbo young man playing the role of a typical Yoruba old man as character was quite challenging. But I was also able to surmount it with the help of several people, especially the director, lecturers and some senior colleagues on the set.

Img 20250125 Wa0000

Chukwuma Onuoha (standing, as Old Akara Oogun); Temitayo Daniel (prostrating, as Younger Akara Oogun) and Ayomikun Adesuyi (sitting, as Oyo king) on set performance of Lángbòdó as convocation play for the University of Lagos 2025

The pronunciation of Yoruba names in the play was another challenge. Names such as Elegbede, Efo Iye, Ogidigbo, Lángbòdó, Imodoye, Olohun Iyo, etc, posed tongue-twisters. I recall having a one-on-one meeting with the director as well as other cast members on how to master the accurate pronunciation of these names. I equally researched about each of the characters too, particularly those whose names seemed difficult to pronounce, and I got great insight about the background of each of the characters. Furthermore, the execution of the choreographed Yoruba dances, songs, chants and music was another challenge, but constant rehearsal and willingness to learn made it fun and easy for me.

The rehearsal period was another exciting moment. It gave me room to interact with other co- actors and helped me to constantly practice and get better on the role. The rehearsal period lasted for seven weeks and was very intense. This training helped to expose me to the rich cultural values of the Yoruba people with a deep sense of appreciation for their culture and practices. I also held pocket or private rehearsals so as to internalise the role properly and to interpret my character better.

The stand ovation from the audience at the end of the command performance was a signal the performance was a huge success that crowned our modest efforts to interpret the moment in a nation’s history when she is faced with challenges akin to what our dear country is currently going through. Did Langbodo survive? Will Nigeria also be able to surmount her seemingly intractable challenges? Ours was indeed the dividends of hardwork, consistency and strict adherence to the ethics of theatre and the director’s desire to bring out the best in us as budding professionals.

Ogunyemi’s Lángbòdó is a legendary tale of seven warriors who embarked on a perilous quest to save their kingdom. They faced physical, spiritual and moral challenges in their quest. The play celebrates collective effort, resilience and cultural heritage, emphasising hope and unity against adversity. The story explores heroism, unity and the triumph of the human spirit through Yoruba, Nigerian mythology and folklore. For the country to succeed, Nigerians must practice genuine inclusiveness and love for the various ethnic nationalities in united action. They must shun bigotry, greed and corruption so as to achieve common goals and progress for the country.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos Prof. Folashade T. Ogunshola who was chief guest could not hide her excitement at the successful performance when she said, “I’m short of words. This is an outstanding performance by the students of Creative Arts.”

On the whole, the artistic combination and assemblage of the various elements of theatre in terms of music, dance, light and sound came together to beautify the performance, leaving audience in awe and asking for more.

* Onuoha is a student of Creative Arts Department, University of Lagos

Spread this:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *