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A Nollywood actor, Babatunde Ojobaro, popularly known as Mister Rain, has said that Nigeria is not yet where it ought to be in theatre.

Ojobaro said this in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan on Friday while commemorating World Theatre Day, held every March 27.

Supreme news reports that the day honours the art and its impact on society, recognising the power of stage performance in storytelling, cultural expression and world social change.

The actor said that while the nation has strong talents, powerful stories, and willing audiences, it lacks the structures, venues, funding systems, and policy support needed to grow a true industry.

According to him, the growth of theatre in Nigeria is hindered by numerous challenges.

“The major challenges are: few functional performance spaces, limited funding, sponsorship structures, and weak audience development from schools and communities.

“In addition, theatre is not yet treated as an economic sector, and the migration of theatre talents into other industries or abroad remains challenging.

“In short, we have the creativity but not enough infrastructure,” he said.

He added that for theatre to grow to its expected level in the country, some key issues must be looked into and addressed.

“The building of community theatre hubs across cities, taking theatre back into schools and encouraging collaboration among theatre practitioners are critical.

“Furthermore, improving digital visibility of productions and the positioning of theatre as part of the creative economy must also be addressed.

“The above can quickly strengthen the ecosystem and help strengthen theatre,” he said.

He added that governments at all levels also have pivotal roles to play in repositioning theatre.

“Government support can focus on providing accessible performance venues in every state, creating small production grants and reviving school theatre festivals and competitions.

“Supporting technical theatre training for youth employment and partnering with existing theatre organisations are equally important,” he said.

Mister Rain described theatre as not just an entertainment tool, but one for education, employment, culture, and national storytelling.

Similarly, a 300-level theatre arts student of the University of Ibadan, Odama Bakari, sees theatre as more than just reciting lines on a stage.

“It is a massive, living, and breathing thing that connects all of us.

“Whether it’s a high-stakes fantasy, with magic used as a weapon, or a gritty new adult drama, where two people are just trying to navigate their communication issues, theatre puts it all out there.

“It’s a total art form. It’s the script, the movement, and definitely the set design that builds the world before an actor even speaks.

“In a place like this, theatre is also about our roots. It’s taking a Yoruba proverb or a piece of oral literature and making it feel fresh and modern,” he said.

According to Bakari, World Theatre Day isn’t just a date on the calendar, but a professional grounding for anyone navigating the hustle between the classroom and the stage.

“As a 300-level student and aspiring actor, this day serves as a powerful validation of the ‘blindly pledged’ commitment we make to this craft.

“Whether I’m analysing the raw, emotional trajectory of a monologue or drafting a vision statement for a new set design, today reminds me that theatre is a total art form,” he said.

He added that theatre in Nigeria had indeed come a long way, going from manually controlled equipment to more flourishing and technological adaptations.

“Nevertheless, I believe that more can be done in providing infrastructure and creative cities.

“We need more than just one or two functional national theatres and decentralised boutique theatres in our neighbourhoods for young actors to perform without the ‘Lagos logistics’ nightmare,” he said.

He also said that theatre should be seen as a viable career that builds stronger links between the university drama departments and the professional industry.

“When a student knows that his ‘I’m fine’ monologue can lead directly to a paid residency or a digital feature, the quality of the ‘total art’ will naturally skyrocket,” said Bakari.

A 400-level student in the same department and school, Awah Mfonobong, described theatre art as collaborative, combining arts such as set design, directing, acting, music, costumes, and lighting for a performance.

According to Mfonobong, the day means a lot to all theatre practitioners, as they are globally appreciated.

“Theatre is something that is not usually appreciated directly because of the misunderstanding and stereotypes, but we know that every March 27, theatre is held in high esteem and appreciated; this means a lot to me,” she said.

She also called on policymakers to provide improved amenities and make theatre a respected career by funding opportunities to encourage more creativity.

“If theatre is sponsored and well taken care of, it won’t be a matter of classism, where only certain classes of people can afford to have the theatre experience,” she said.

Supreme news reports that World Theatre Day, first celebrated in 1962, was established in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI).