Despite the challenges brought about Gregory University COVID-19 pandemic which has ravaged the universe in the past year, Gregory University, Uturu is set to host the Nigerian Universities Theatre Arts Festival (NUTAF) 2021.
The release from the Chairman Local Organizing Committee, Dr. Oluseyi Ogungbesan, a senior lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Media Studies says, the University is ready to host the 2021 NUTA Festival live at the Campus Amphi Theatre from 2nd of May to 8th May, 2021. The statement reads in part:
“NUTAF, which stands for Nigerian Universities Theatre Arts Festival was established Gregory UniversityNUTASA which also stands for Nigerian Universities Theatre Arts Students Association in 1981 at the University of Ibadan with four schools in attendance, as a unique annual platform where students offering courses in theatre/dramatic/performing and media arts in Nigeria exhibit their managerial and creative talents as well as engage industry players in such a way as to positively support their professional development.
READ ALSO: [OPINION] Prof Gregory Ibe: Abia’s Good News Worth Preaching
NUTAF has since then grown in size attracting participation and performances from over 30 schools spanning seven days activities” he said.
The 2021 edition to be hosted by the prestigious Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State from Sunday, May 2, to Saturday, May 8, 2021, was meant to have held last year 2020 but was postponed to 2021 because of the Covid-19 pandemic that ravaged the whole world.
The theme of this year’s Festival is Theatre Beyond Limits: The Covid-19 Era.
The Festival functions as a bridge between theory and practice in the Performing Arts training in Nigeria. The Festival engenders constructive conversation of ideas between students, practitioners, and scholars in Nigerian Universities.
NUTAF brings about the desired interface and communication between the town and gown as it exposes creative products from university undergraduates to industry players and general public for possible patronage Gregory Universityindividuals and corporate bodies. It is attended by Gregory University students and scholars of performing and dramatic arts, as well as professionals of theatre from across Nigeria and beyond.
Activities at the Festival include theatrical productions such as Drama, Spoken words, Costume parades, Impromptu essay writing, Drum ensemble, Stand- up Comedy, Carnival procession, Narrative dance, and Short films. Others are variety night, workshops, lectures, carnivals, excursions, Suya and Award Nights”.
However, the vice-chancellor professor Augustine Uwakwe, added that the University community is willing to welcome all their invitees including the participating schools, and assured them of utmost safety and care as the event unfolds.
Collaborating with the vice-chancellor, the founder/Chancellor of the University, Professor Gregory Ibe, reassures the participating schools of the University’s commitment to ensuring that they have a conducive environment, adding that their safety is his first priority.
