Mix of scholarly engagements, performance aesthetics, others marks SONTA’s 38th confab at LASU
By Nurudeen Segun Aribisala and Rashidat Olamidayo Ajakaye
LAGOS State University (LASU), Ojo, Lagos, recently hosted the 38th International Conference and 39th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Society of Nigeria Theatre Artists (SONTA) from September 2 – 6, 2025 under the theme ‘Technology, Intercultural Dialogue, and the Future of the Performing Arts’. The conference was a convergence of researchers, scholars, practitioners, and art enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond to examine the intersections of technology and the performing arts in shaping human development.
The five-day event featured plenary sessions, paper presentations, workshops, cultural performances, and a tour of historic Badagry. Discussions centred on the opportunities and challenges posed by the rise of the internet, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation in creative industries. Participants reflected on how technology is reshaping cultural engagement, while also considering ways it could be harnessed to advance intercultural dialogue and development.
In his keynote remarks, SONTA Chairman Board of Trustees, Prof. Shamsudeen Amali, stressed the importance of embracing technology within the performing arts. Other dignitaries in attendance included former SONTA President, Prof. Gowon Ama Doki and Head of Department of Theatre and Film Arts, LASU, Dr. Babafemi Babatope with the Chairman of Sparkrod Nigeria Limited, Chief Kayode Aderinokun chairing the conference. The Local Organizing Committee (LOC), comprising of Dr. Bunmi Adedina, Kotin Hungbo, Dr. Femi Olugboji, Dr. Yeside Dosumu-Lawal, Dr. Abayomi O. Bello, Dr. Olawunmi Oni-Buraimoh, Mrs. Pauline Adekoya, Dr. Ganiu Bamgbose, and Mr. Oyewole Salami worked tirelessly to deliver a seamless conference experience. The Department of Theatre and Film Arts, LASU, played a leading role, with 14 staff members actively participating, including scholars such as Prof. Sola Fosudo, Prof. Tunji Azeez, and Prof. Ayodele Komolafe. SONTA’s national executives also made significant contributions to the conference proceedings.
The conference opened on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the Theatre Arts Auditorium, beginning with the arrival of delegates. On Day Two, Wednesday, September 3, 2025, conference venue shifted to Buba Marwa Main Auditorium and Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre Hall. The day opened with SONTA Executive Council (EXCO) and the Board of Trustees (BOT) paying courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, and the university management.
The intellectual heart of the day was the keynote lecture delivered by the former Commissioner of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy of Ekiti State, Prof. Rasaki Ojo Bakare. This was followed by a cultural performance—a drum invocation—by the LASU Theatre Arts troupe. The first lead paper of the conference was then presented by the founder/CEO of Zuri24 Media, Lagos, Mr. Femi Odugbemi, on the theme ‘Reimagining the Stage: Culture, Code and Connection in the Age of Digital Convergence.’ In his paper, Odugbemi argued that as performing arts increasingly integrate artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and digital platforms, they should be reimagined to expand audience reach, preserve cultural heritage, and transform storytelling—while stressing the need to balance innovation with authenticity and indigenous identity.
This session also witnessed the first phase of SONTA Awards and Investiture, where merit awards were conferred on distinguished scholars, including host Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olatunji-Bello, Prof. Fosudo, Prof. Taiwo Moshood Salisu and Prof. Isaac Adeniyi Yekini-Ajenifuja. The ceremony further honoured a group of eminent figures as ‘Pillars of the Arts and Creative Industry.’ They were Jahman Oladejo Anikulapo, Mr. Theo Lawson, Segun Adefila, Dr. Hafiz Oyetoro (Saka), Mr. Joseph Sampson Edgar (The Duke of Shomolu), Mrs. Ayodele Jaiyesimi, and Mr. Kunle Afolayan.
The second lead paper was presented by Prof. Nancy King of the University of Jos, which segued into the second phase of SONTA Awards. In this phase, selected LASU Theatre Arts alumni and industry leaders were recognized as LASU Theatre Arts Distinguished Ambassadors for their outstanding contributions to theatre, media, leadership, and cultural innovation. Honourees included Mr. Steve Onu (Yaw), Mr. Emmanuel Kalu Uduma, Dr. Bankole Allibay, Hon. Ife Salako, Mr. Obi Martins, Mr. Timilehin Bello, Comr. Nurudeen Mudashiru Eniafe, Bola Stephen-Atitebi, Mr. Kenneth Uphopho, Mr. Olusola Roberts Iwaotan, Mr. Oriyomi Joseph (ORí), Mary Jacobs, Precious Money, Oluyale Favour Aramide, Mrs. Ejiafor Kanayo Cynthia, and Mr. Olarotimi Fakunle, among others.
The morning proceedings concluded with remarks from the LOC Chairperson, Dr. Adedina, and a vote of thanks by the Head of the Department of Theatre and Film Arts, LASU, Dr. Babatope. A closing performance by the LASU Band brought the session to a rousing finale.
Lead paper presenter, Mr. Femi Odugbemi (left); conference chairman, Chief Kayode Aderinokun and newly elected SONTA President, Prof. Tunji Azeez
The afternoon session, held at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre Hall, had the Achievers’ Forum and the Professors’ Forum, which provided platforms for knowledge exchange and networking among senior scholars and emerging voices. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of SONTA also took place during this session, where important deliberations were held on society’s future. Elections were conducted, culminating in the election of Prof. Azeez as the new National President of SONTA. The day ended with a cultural performance titled ‘Welcome to Lagos’ by LASU Theatre Arts students that encapsulates the city’s dynamism and cultural energy, as it drew the curtain on a landmark day of intellectual and artistic engagement.
The third day of the conference was devoted to academic engagements across multiple venues, beginning with plenary sessions held at the Faculty of Arts, New TETFUND Building. These sessions featured stimulating presentations and debates on a wide range of themes that reflected the conference focus on technology, society, and the performing arts. Discussions covered topics such as ‘Technology, AI and Digital Transformation in the Performing Arts’, ‘Intercultural Dialogue, Migration and Global Politics,’ ‘Performance, Identity and Society’, ‘The Performing Arts in the Digital Age,’ ‘Design, Aesthetics and Innovation in the Performing Arts,’ ‘Gender, Theory and Dramaturgy in Contemporary Contexts,’ ‘Media, Filmmaking, Marketing and Hybrid Performance Forms’ as well as ‘The Environment, Eco-Theatre Practices, Pedagogy and Technology.’
A practical workshop titled ‘The Art of Upcycling Costumes’ was conducted at the Faculty of Arts Language Laboratory. The session, facilitated by Dr. Grace Uchechukwu Adinku (Texas A&M University, College Station, US) and assisted by Mrs. Paulina Adekoya-Oduntan and Ann Ayodele, provided undergraduate students specializing in theatre design with hands-on experience in sustainable costume practices. The day concluded at the LASU Theatre Arts Auditorium with a lively stage performance titled “Lagos Life,” which captured the vibrancy, humour, and struggles of life in Lagos. Delegates departed with an appreciation of the creative energy infused into both academic and artistic programming of the day.
The fourth day of the conference featured an excursion to the historic town of Badagry. It immersed participants in a day of cultural exploration and heritage education. Delegates visited notable landmarks, including the first story building in Nigeria, Badagry slave market and other heritage sites that bear testimony to the town’s pivotal role in Nigerian and African history, particularly the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. The excursion culminated in a convivial gathering at Suntan Beach, Badagry, where delegates engaged in merriment, relaxation, and cultural bonding. Activities included a dancing competition, music, and informal exchanges that provided a refreshing contrast to the intellectual rigours of the previous days. The excursion not only offered relaxation but also reinforced the intersection between history, culture, and performance as living experiences.
The fifth and final day marked the formal close of the conference. Participants reflected on the wealth of knowledge shared during the week and the vibrant cultural experiences that accompanied the intellectual engagements. The overall success of the conference underscored the vital role of SONTA in advancing scholarship, performance, and creative dialogue in Nigeria and beyond. Throughout the five-day event, delegates enjoyed the renowned hospitality of Lagos State University. The Department of Theatre and Film Arts distinguished itself not only through robust academic contributions but also through cultural showcases, with memorable performances such as ‘Welcome to Lagos’ and ‘Lagos Life.’ These productions underscored the department’s commitment to celebrating Lagos’s dynamic heritage and artistry.
As the performing arts continue to evolve in the digital age, SONTA’s 38th International Conference and 39th AGM at LASU offered invaluable insights into the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. The conference strengthened networks among scholars, practitioners, and cultural advocates, while reaffirming LASU’s commitment to advancing creativity, culture, and tourism studies. Its impact is expected to resonate in the theatre arts community for years to come.
