In a compelling convergence of scholarship, performance, and advocacy, the Graduate Research Clinic (GRC) hosted its 9th Roundtable on March 27, 2026, marking World Theatre Day with a powerful reflection on gender, theatre, and peacebuilding in Nigeria. At the heart of the event was a celebration of the enduring legacy of Professor Irene Salami-Agunloye, whose work has reshaped conversations around African theatre, gender studies, and cultural representation.
Held under the theme “Gendering Theatre, Gendering Peace: Reflections on the Scholarship and Praxis of Prof. Irene Salami-Agunloye,” the roundtable brought together academics, theatre practitioners, and cultural commentators to interrogate the evolving role of women within Nigeria’s theatrical landscape. More than a commemorative gathering, the event served as a dynamic intellectual space where theatre was reimagined – not merely as artistic expression, but as a vehicle for social transformation and peacebuilding.
Opening the session, moderator Tolu Fagbure set the tone by underscoring the importance of amplifying women’s voices in theatre and recognising their contributions beyond tokenism. His remarks framed the day’s discussions around inclusion, representation, and the transformative potential of performance.
A central thread throughout the dialogue was the persistent marginalisation of women’s voices on stage. Theatre scholar Dr. Abiola Adumati drew attention to the gap between representation and authenticity, arguing that meaningful inclusion requires narratives rooted in women’s lived experiences. She highlighted how female-centred storytelling can challenge entrenched stereotypes, confront gender-based violence, and reshape societal perceptions.
Expanding the conversation into broader socio-political terrain, Professor Funmi Para-Mallam examined the structural dimensions of gender inequality within theatre and beyond. She praised Professor Irene’s integration of African feminist and womanist perspectives, noting that her work interrogates gender not simply as identity, but as a complex system of power relations. According to her, such an approach allows theatre to engage critically with institutional injustices while fostering dialogue on equity and representation.
Professor Para-Mallam further emphasised that Professor Irene’s dramaturgy transcends individual narratives, instead addressing systemic issues embedded within society. By bridging theory, performance, and social praxis, her work demonstrates how theatre can function as both a mirror and a catalyst—raising consciousness while advocating for justice and gender harmony.
Beyond academic discourse, the roundtable also highlighted the need for structural support within the theatre industry. GRC Team Lead Oluwatobiloba Adewunmi called for stronger mentorship networks, increased collaboration, and institutional backing to enable women’s full participation across all facets of theatre – from writing and directing to performance and production. He stressed that the theatre remains a potent tool for advocacy, capable of influencing public discourse and contributing to sustainable development.
As reflections on Professor Irene Salami-Agunloye’s legacy unfolded, the event moved beyond celebration into a renewed call for action. Participants emphasised the urgency of sustaining platforms that amplify diverse voices, ensuring that women’s stories are not peripheral, but central to cultural production and national discourse.
The roundtable concluded on a note of solidarity and inspiration, with goodwill messages from students, colleagues, and mentees. Yet, more than a ceremonial close, it signalled a continuing commitment – to reimagine theatre as an inclusive, transformative space where gender, creativity, and peace intersect in meaningful ways.
