The history of Nigerian theatre cannot be told without giving prominence to Hubert Ogunde. He was more than an actor or playwright; he was a visionary whose work transformed theatre in Nigeria into a vibrant tool for cultural preservation, political awareness, and national pride. His plays did not simply entertain. They educated, challenged authority, and inspired a new generation to embrace the power of performance. In understanding Ogunde’s influence, we uncover how Nigerian theatre evolved from simple folk performance into a sophisticated art form that could stand proudly on any stage in the world.
Early Life and Path into Theatre
Hubert Adedeji Ogunde was born in 1916 in Ososa, a town in present-day Ogun State. From an early age, he showed a deep interest in performance, music, and storytelling. Nigerian theatre during his youth was mainly rooted in traditional folk dances, masquerade performances, and religious ceremonies. Ogunde’s exposure to these traditions, combined with his education in Western-style schools, shaped the unique style that would later define his career.
His first steps into professional theatre began while working as a teacher and later as a police officer. His passion for theatre pulled him toward creating stories for the stage. In 1944, Ogunde staged his first play, The Garden of Eden and the Throne of God, which was performed for church audiences. This marked the start of his journey to transform Nigerian theatre into a respected, structured industry.
Founding the Ogunde Theatre Party
In 1945, Ogunde founded the Ogunde Theatre Party, the first professional theatre company in Nigeria. This move was revolutionary. Until then, Nigerian theatre groups were informal gatherings of performers who came together for festivals or religious occasions. By forming a permanent, touring company, Ogunde set a precedent for professionalism in theatre.
The Ogunde Theatre Party travelled across Nigeria and beyond, performing in towns and cities. These performances blended elements of Yoruba traditional performance with modern stage techniques, including scripted dialogue, elaborate costumes, and live music. Through this fusion, Ogunde created a form of theatre that was both deeply Nigerian and accessible to diverse audiences.
Political Theatre and Social Commentary
Ogunde’s theatre was not just about entertainment. He used the stage to address social and political issues at a time when Nigeria was still under colonial rule. Plays like Strike and Hunger (1946) and Bread and Bullet (1950) directly tackled labour unrest, police brutality, and the struggles of everyday Nigerians. These works made Ogunde one of the pioneers of political theatre in Africa.
The colonial authorities were not always pleased with his outspoken productions. In some cases, Ogunde’s plays were banned, and he faced censorship. Yet, he continued to use theatre as a voice for the people, proving that the stage could be a powerful platform for change.
Cultural Renaissance in Theatre
Ogunde also contributed to a cultural renaissance by integrating traditional Yoruba storytelling, proverbs, and music into his plays. At a time when Western influences were dominant in Nigerian arts, he celebrated indigenous heritage through theatre. His productions often featured the talking drum, traditional chants, and folk songs, preserving them for younger generations while presenting them in innovative ways.
By doing this, Ogunde not only entertained but also reminded Nigerians of the richness of their heritage. This approach helped build a sense of pride and identity, especially in the years leading to and after independence in 1960.
Transition into Film
As Nigerian theatre grew under his leadership, Ogunde also embraced new media. In the late 1960s and 1970s, he began producing films based on his stage plays, including Aiye and Jaiyesinmi. This move helped extend the reach of his work beyond live audiences, allowing his messages to spread to Nigerians in rural areas and to audiences abroad.
The transition from theatre to film was not a rejection of the stage. Instead, it was an expansion of his mission to use performance to tell Nigerian stories in ways that resonated with contemporary audiences.
Legacy and Influence on Nigerian Theatre
Ogunde’s legacy is visible in the continued growth of Nigerian theatre today. His model of a professional theatre troupe paved the way for later practitioners such as Duro Ladipo, Wole Soyinka, and the creators of modern stage productions in Lagos, Abuja, and beyond.
He proved that theatre could be a sustainable career, inspiring countless young Nigerians to enter the performing arts. His emphasis on blending tradition with innovation remains a guiding principle for many in the industry. Even Nollywood, Nigeria’s globally recognised film industry, can trace some of its storytelling styles and thematic courage back to Ogunde’s pioneering work in theatre.
Theatre in Democratic Nigeria
In the democratic era, Nigerian theatre continues to thrive, often drawing on Ogunde’s blueprint. Contemporary productions still incorporate music, dance, and political commentary, while also exploring modern challenges such as corruption, inequality, and cultural change.
Festivals such as the Lagos Theatre Festival and institutions like the National Theatre in Lagos reflect the continuing impact of Ogunde’s work. His legacy serves as a reminder that theatre remains one of the most powerful ways to spark dialogue and inspire societal progress.
The Importance of Remembering Ogunde’s Theatre
Understanding Ogunde’s contributions is essential not only for appreciating Nigerian theatre history but also for recognising how art can drive change. His work illustrates that theatre can be more than a stage performance — it can be a movement, a statement, and a catalyst for transformation.
Through his fearless approach to political and social issues, his celebration of indigenous culture, and his commitment to professionalism, Ogunde established a path that continues to guide Nigerian theatre today.
Author’s Note
Hubert Ogunde’s journey reminds us that theatre is not just a form of art; it is a living reflection of society. His courage to challenge injustice, his passion for preserving culture, and his vision for professional performance remain as relevant today as they were during his lifetime. Nigerian theatre owes much of its structure, vibrancy, and social relevance to his groundbreaking work. As audiences continue to gather in theatres across the nation, they are witnessing not only performances but also the living legacy of a man who believed in the power of the stage to shape the future.
