It was an evening of powerful emotions, stirring performance, and unforgettable storytelling as final-year students of the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Lagos (UNILAG) staged House of Aguba on Monday, August 11, 2025, as their special practical project for one of their 2nd Semester, 2024/2025 Courses THA 487
Written by Professor Chris Anyaokwu of the Department of English, UNILAG, House of Aguba follows the haunting journey of Njokalima “Joka” Aguba, a successful man burdened by the secrets of his past. Estranged from his mother, Nne Blakky, who is ostracized by their village of Alih over accusations of witchcraft and familial misfortunes, Joka is forced to confront painful truths when a divine message compels him to return home before it’s too late.
With a narrative steeped in the complexities of family, superstition, and social stigma, the students delivered a gripping performance that balanced raw emotion with impressive theatrical finesse that showcased their artistic maturity and reinforced the role of theatre as a mirror to society’s deep-rooted issues. The stage play delved deep into Joka’s internal turmoil as he navigated community hostility, suppressed guilt, and the ghosts of his upbringing, offering the audience a reflective experience that was intensely human and thought-provoking.
The event drew notable dignitaries, including playwright, Professor Chris Anyaokwu, who attended with his wife as a special guest. Also in attendance were the former Head of the Department of Creative Arts, Professor Osita Ezenwanebe, and the current Head of the Department of Theatre Arts, Professor Adebisi Ademakinwa, among other members of the university community and arts community.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Moses Ayetoto
Here are pictorial highlights of the stage play:
