Theatre Myths
Delving into photographing topics that interest me is one of the ways I learn more about life. I got to know about this interesting activity from my younger sister who is a performing/theatre arts student. Theatre is an imitation of life. Induction is an initiation process done for every theatre student to become a thespian. Thespian is denoted from Thespis, an iconic figure who was the first actor to perform on a stage. This activity boosts students' confidence and helps them to overcome stage fright. Without this process, a student can't perform on a stage. Induction is practiced in different forms globally in every theatre environment. In Nigeria, it is done in context to the culture of where the tertiary institution is situated. Students are united by where they are from and learn from other people's culture in the induction. For example, Yoruba culture is practiced in a Yoruba environment, Hausa culture in a Hausa environment and Igbo culture in a Igbo environment, etc. I've documented a few universities imitating Yoruba traditions; Kwara State University, Malete Kwara State and College of Education, Oyo State and Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo State. In a Yoruba area, white attire is worn for any important cultural activity. Culturally, white symbolizes purity, innocence, and peace. Yoruba people also dot their faces and legs with white paint. Students also walk and sing around the school to publicize the appearance and entertain other students in the school. Then an induction oath is taken by each student to pledge the department and theatre as a whole. It was assured that these activities aren’t spiritually connected but just an imitation of life in an artistic way. In Africa, there’s a misunderstanding among people outside theatre that induction is a spiritual initiation process. This story will help educate the public about this myth, hence more talents can join the theatre industry as a whole.












