UNN celebrates 53rd Convocation with Mbajiorgu’s ecological drama ‘Wake Up Everyone’

By Maxim Uzoatu

CONVOCATIONS are of immense significance to Universities. As Sanjana Bankar informs us: ‘Convocations symbolize the acknowledgement of every students’ relentless effort and achievements. It is more than just a ceremonial event; it is a moment of recognition for the sacrifices, late nights and early mornings filled with commitments.’

It is in full realization of the above fact that the Department of Theatre and Film Studies has been commissioned by the Chairman, Senate Ceremonials committee Professor Elise Umeano to produce a drama to mark the 53rd convocation ceremony of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The drama happens to be Greg Mbajiorgu’s Wake up Everyone, a thought provoking play that focuses on the pressing issue of climate crises.

Wake Up Everyone aims to raise awareness by highlighting the urgency and severity of climate change, its causes, and its far-reaching consequences, inspire action by encourage audiences to take individual and collective action to reduce their carbon footprint, adopt sustainable practices, and advocate for climate policies and explore human impact by delve into the human stories and experiences of people affected by the climate crises, such as displacement, loss, and resilience.

Majiorgu uses the aesthetics of drama as a tool for environmental advocacy. In this experimental play, he makes a powerful critique of the shoddy manner humanity is relating with the natural environment. Consequently, he raises a strong case for the conservation of the environment as the antidote to the threat of climate change. The title Wake Up Everyone emphasizes the need for immediate attention, collective awareness, and concerted action to address the climate crises.

It is noteworthy that the play, 10 years ago in its infant edition, was directed by Nnanna Ndubuisi as the 44th UNN convocation play. Dignitaries expected to attend this theatrical event are the Chairman of 
e Governing Council of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, General Ike Nwachukwu and other counsil members, the Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Polycarp Emeka Chigbu, members of UNN Alumni Association from Nigeria and the Diaspora, deans of faculties, distinguished guests to the university, among others, directors of centres and institutions, heads of departments and other friends of the university. The host of the event is Professor Elsie Umeano, Chairman of Senate Ceremonials Committee, with the Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria, Nsukka Prof Chigbu as chief host.

This experimental play, directed by Mbajiorgu, Samsong Ganiru and Daniel Chibuko, features Theatre Arts students and beyond. Some of the star actors and actresses featuring in the performance are Sopulu Nwachukwu, Samsong Ganiru, Samuel Ezeobi, Naomi Ibekwe, Chidubem Ogbue, Abraham Queen, Dabeluchkwu Ibik, among numerous others including some of the department’s best singers, dancers and members of the Paul Robeson’s Orchestra.

The performance takes place today, Friday, December 20, 2024, 6.00am at the New Arts Theatre, UNN. All convoking students and their relatives and friends are expected to attendance.