Ikechukwu Erojikwe (PhD) is a theatre practitioner and senior lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, specialising in developmental theatre, acting, directing, and health humanities. He is the founder/ Creative Director of Campus-Campaign Against Sexual Harassment (C-CASH). He is also the Executive Director of Pentagram Pictures (A media and research group that serves as a creative incubator). He has also written and directed plays, including: Zik of Africa, a play about Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first president of Nigeria and Ụda Nkwa: Echoes From the Drums, a play on Mazi Kanu Oji, The Eze Aro (the longest serving monarch in Nigeria 1914-1987). These two plays were written and directed for the Duke of Shomulu Foundation). He is the convener of the 220th commemoration of the Igbo Landing event. He volunteers and consults for so many organisations. He is the secretary of The Things Fall Apart at 67 Festival scheduled to hold from the June 29 to July 5 and hosted by the Centre for Memories, Ncheta NdIgbo. In this interview, he speaks with GREGORY AUSTIN NWAKUNOR on his art.

IT was inspired by Joseph Edgar, popularly known as The Duke of Shomolu. After commissioning me to write this play, we agreed to approach it from the point of conviction.

I graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 2006 with a BA in Theatre Arts. During my days in the university, I was trained and mentored by Uche Nwaozuzu and Ndubuisi Nnanna in directing. My first attempt at writing a play script was inspired by Greg Mbajiorgu in my second year acting workshop class. Years later, I served with the National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN) under Arnold Udoka who was the Director of Dance, NTN.

I returned to UNN for my MA and PhD in Theatre and Film Studies. However, my journey into the world of theatre did not start from my theatrical studies in the university, but dates back to the 80s when my mother, Mrs. Ebele Erojikwe ,an actress herself would take me to the Arts Theatre to watch performances. At home, she also ensured we had drama time during our leisure- and I was always chosen by my siblings to write and direct.

It was therefore fascinating when I found myself in the department of Theatre Arts… and it was daunting, exciting, spiritual and engaging. I have written about seven plays and directed over 30 plays.

My style is often totally avant-garde. But with each production comes its innovative style. In Bianca, we used multimedia, music, storytelling, dance, and live performances by Timi Dakolo.

This is the first time I have had to infuse live musical performance live into the story to create a blend that does not distract. Then we combined all the production elements to have an engaging theatrical experience spanning over four decades was challenging. The scripting came with a lot of creative ingenuity considering that the character we were to create the story on is quite influential-daughter of an ex-governor, former beauty queen, wife to Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, former Ambassador and present Minister of State Foreign Affairs, wow! Her Excellency Iyom Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has the eye of an eagle and is a thorough-going critique. She read the script page for page, line for line. She played a significant role in adding to the beauty of the story we told. Joseph Edgar’s (Duke of Shomolu) tenacity and resilience also helped us to get the story ready.

Creating the story was quite fascinating and the challenges were not different from other works I have done. With each job comes a new experience and from the new experience comes an even different experience. As a writer and director I have learnt that patience and grace are key factors that help in managing creative madness and artistic ingenuity.

The need to celebrate the woman through her story of conviction has become necessary as part of our national story. What we did with Bianca-The Conviction, is to ensure that the story resonates with everyone in the audience. The story of Bianca and her struggles through life to assert her voice is inspiring and the place of positive rebellion found its place in the conviction story.

Well, after a playwright finishes any piece, it is assumed that the playwright is dead. In theatre we refer to this as the death of the author. This allows easy creative flow. I am a creative director and not a worshipful one that must stick to the script, so as a director, I co-create with the writer to make the performance better. I carefully separate myself as the writer and director because it is the director that brings the hidden meaning of the text, the nuances, the silent voices, the language registers, the adlibs.

Together with the actors the director brings life to the phantoms created by the playwright. I worked conscientiously with the technical director and all the designers. I also worked closely with my stage manager to ensure creative fidelity: The choice of songs in Bianca was intentional to engage the audience and form part of the storytelling process.

Since we worked with characters that once existed we looked out for resemblance, speech, dexterity and excellence.

Love, resilience, cultural preservation, and positive rebellion. Through Bianca we were able to tell a story of strength and willpower that can convince anyone on the need to stand firm during the trials of life. The themes of the play listed above reflects this position.

The feedback I got shows the audience members were enthralled. The resounding standing ovation and the glowing words of Her Excellency Iyom Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu remains evergreen.

The standing ovation made me really emotional.

I have been waiting to hear from you. But anyways some people mentioned the duration but appreciated it and said it was worth the money they spent.

Most of the challenges I encountered throughout this process tested my patience. However, through acceptance, and skillful ability in letting go, trust… beginners mind, I scaled through. I also wish to thank Dozie Odunze, Onyeka Nzeribe and Ada Agbata, Emeka Uba, Goodness Eweama, Danlami Baba, Moses Udeh for their tireless creative input and artistic suggestions during our rehearsals.

I also wish to thank Joseph Edgar (Duke of Shomulu) for the opportunity. My sincere appreciation goes to the entire Duke of Shomulu Foundation staff, the MD, Foluwake Edgar, and everyone who contributed to making Bianca: The conviction a huge success.

Patience.

Once the creative source remains burning, we cannot dare to stop! Yes, there are some works in the pipeline, Such as The Hustler that I am writing for Just Theatre House, then community engagement works with my NGO Campus-Campaign Against Sexual Harassment (C-CASH), some theatre and Film projects with Pentagram Pictures, but the most important one for now is the play, titled, King Orizu- The Tale of Three Kings written by Oluchi-Tobe Osigwe and directed by me for the 100 years celebration of Igwe (Dr) Kenneth Orizu III, Igwe Nnewi, December 2025. This event will happen in Nnewi, Anambra State. This is part of our effort to grow theatre culture in the Eastern part of the country.

I see myself exploring dynamic themes that encourage awareness, education, creativity, history and gender equity.