OLA ROTIMI LEFT A DEEP FOOTPRINT IN THE NIGERIAN LITERARY SPACE -DANIEL KPODOH

The Artistic Director of Active Play house, Dan Kpodoh,  will on Sunday 11th September take the centre stage with his crew as they present a stage play tittled Grip Am,  written by Ola Rotimi,  at the  Arena events centre in GRA portharcourt.

Enjoy reading this interview,  conducted by Eric Olusesan.

Why the play ‘Grip Am’?

Grip Am is a wonderfully hilarious comedy by the icon Ola Rotimi that still passes very important messages, cogent to the family and society, especially our country Nigeria. It’s a way to recognise and celebrate Ola Rotimi, a great writer who left deep footprints in the Nigerian literary space.

Of what impact will the play Grip Am  play in the family and Nigeria of today?

I chose Grip Am, in fact, because Nigeria is entering a very intense period and not only could we all do with some laughter and happiness, but *Grip Am* also teaches generosity, love and understanding — three things that will be crucial to the country in these times. If we are to survive as a nation, we must learn to imbibe these traits and carry them with us going into the 2023 elections.

You have written and directed so many plays what are we expecting to see differently with “Grip Am”?

Lots of comedy. If you’ve followed my usual plays, I dwell on deep societal issues. So we’ve had tragedies such as Ola Rotimi’s _The Gods are Not to Blame,_ Peter M. Ogwara’s _Unbroken and my very own Bolobolo_ . However, Grip Am will have you clutching your ribs with laughter from start to finish.

Who are the actors we are expecting to feature in this stage play?

All of our cast and crew are wonderful. That is the nature of Active Playhouse. However, to be specific, featuring in this play is veteran stage actor Alfred Fadar Otite along with the delectable Nabofa Favour, Doubra Agwana, Deinmora Profit James, Favour Njoku, Olivia Onyeji, Wisdom Edet, Sunday Jessica, David Ekpuh, Henry Aliakor, Chima Eke, Daniel West, Michael Okezie, Irene Uwaga Obinna Chima and talented Elvis Owhonda.

What has being  the driving force sustaining  your stage plays?

First of all, theatre is my passion. I am a very big believer of following one’s passions and I’m very thankful to God for giving me the grace to pursue mine. Mainly though, I believe that theatre and dance can be a great tool in guiding upcoming generations and correcting many ills in the society. This is why I continually put in my own personal fund as a self-sponsored endeavour in order to keep moving them forward.Gratitude also to our long time partner Theatre in the Arena.

Nigeria as a nation is in the electioneering season, how do you think Government, political parties and corporate organisations can key into stage play as a tool to  sensitize  the society in this  season?

As I said, the theatre is a very powerful tool. Stage plays will be very apt in passing across messages such as non-violence and the need to partake in the constitutional duty that is voting. We all want a better Nigeria, gained through a free, fair, credible and non-violent electoral process. Of course, parties and candidates can also use theatre and stage plays to campaign, to amplify their stand on the issues and reach the grassroot.

On a final note, as a writer and director, what are we expecting from you in the nearest future?

It’s time to take the outstanding art that is Nigerian theatre global. Let others see our incredibly colorful and exciting cultures and celebrate us. Steps are already being made in this direction. You can already find my scripts and palys on Amazon and Okadabooks. Also, expect me on the big screen. Of course, we will keep regaling theatre lovers in every part of the country with outstanding stage plays, and I can promise that each will be better the last.