The Father of Nigerian Theatre and His Fight Against Oppression

Hubert Ogunde, often called the father of Nigerian theatre, was a trailblazer in African performing arts. A playwright, actor, and musician, Ogunde used his platform to challenge colonial rule, expose social injustice, and preserve Yoruba culture through theatre. Though his influence was immense, his legacy is often overlooked today.

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Early Life and Entry into Theatre

Born on July 10, 1916, in Ososa, Ogun State, Hubert Adedeji Ogunde was raised in a deeply cultural environment that nurtured his love for performance. He started his career as a teacher but soon realized that his passion lay in storytelling and drama. In 1944, he joined the Nigerian Police Force, where he became involved in entertainment through the police drama group. This experience inspired him to pursue theatre full-time, leading to the birth of professional Nigerian theatre.

The Birth of Nigerian Professional Theatre

In 1945, Ogunde founded the African Music Research Party, later renamed the Ogunde Theatre Party, the first professional theatre company in Nigeria. His plays combined acting, music, and dance to create vibrant performances that captivated audiences. Unlike traditional Yoruba theatre, Ogunde’s productions addressed contemporary issues, including colonial exploitation, corruption, and injustice.

One of his earliest works, “The Garden of Eden and the Throne of God” (1944), was a religious play, but it was “Strike and Hunger” (1945) that marked his shift toward political activism. Inspired by the 1945 Nigerian general strike, the play criticized the colonial government’s exploitation of workers, making Ogunde one of the first Nigerian dramatists to use theatre as a tool for resistance.

Fighting Colonialism and Social Injustice

Ogunde’s bold political plays often put him at odds with the authorities. In 1946, his play “Tiger’s Empire” stirred controversy for its strong nationalist messages, encouraging Nigerians to seek independence. His 1949 production, “Bread and Bullet”, was even more direct, as it dramatized the tragic events of the 1949 Enugu coal miners’ strike, where colonial forces killed protesting workers.

His fearless storytelling led to multiple bans on his plays by British colonial officials, yet he remained undeterred. Through theatre, Ogunde became a voice for the oppressed, advocating for African unity, cultural pride, and self-determination.

Post-Independence Contributions and Cultural Revival

Even after Nigeria gained independence in 1960, Ogunde continued to use theatre as a means of addressing societal issues. He tackled themes such as political corruption, ethnic conflict, and moral decay. His 1964 play, “Yoruba Ronu” (Yoruba, Think!), criticized the Western Region’s political instability, leading to its ban by the regional government.

Beyond politics, Ogunde was instrumental in reviving and preserving Yoruba traditional music, dance, and folklore. His productions showcased elaborate costumes, drumming, and chants, which influenced future generations of Nigerian theatre practitioners, including Nollywood filmmakers.

Legacy and Influence

Hubert Ogunde’s work laid the foundation for modern Nigerian theatre, film, and entertainment. His fusion of traditional Yoruba performance with contemporary storytelling paved the way for the evolution of Nollywood. Despite his monumental contributions, many Nigerians today are unfamiliar with his legacy.

Ogunde passed away on April 4, 1990, but his influence lives on. His fearless approach to theatre as a tool for activism remains an inspiration for artists and social commentators. His plays and contributions to African drama remind us of the power of storytelling in shaping history and society.

Conclusion

Hubert Ogunde was more than just a playwright; he was a revolutionary artist who used theatre to challenge oppression and advocate for change. His boldness in confronting colonial and post-colonial injustices set a precedent for socially conscious art in Nigeria. As we celebrate Nigerian theatre and Nollywood’s global success, we must remember the man who pioneered it all—Hubert Ogunde, the father of Nigerian theatre.

The Story of Hubert Ogunde: The Father of Nigerian Theatre and His Fight Against Oppression