Clement Adeyi, Osogbo
Yoruba culture and tradition will take a centre stage at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, during this year’s edition of the university’s convocation scheduled for next week.
Daily Sun gathered that Yoruba traditional music movie thespian, Prince Adewale Laoye, will feature in the convocation play titled: “Rebirth.”
The play which will be staged by the Department of Theatre Arts headed by Dr John Iwu will promote tradition and cultural heritage, especially among the youth with a view to acclimatising them with the inestimable values and development.
Fondly referred to as Drummer of Peace, Adewale who is the son of erstwhile Timi of Ede, the late Oba John Adetoyese Laoye I, will be a part of the play’s cast as a performer.
The story of the movie revolves round Ede royal family in which he will play the role of his late father who was renowned as the Drummer King and set unprecedented legacies in the promotion of Yoruba culture and tradition and showcased it to the world.
Rebirth is the story of a Christan researcher named Ayodeji, who during the reign of Oba Laoye, sought impeccable information about a thanksgiving festival of Ede town dedicated to the gods for the year’s bountiful harvest referred to as “Ipedi Festival.”
The researcher’s curiosity led him to discover an ancient history of centuries of heritage which stunted the economic growth of the town. He sought government’s assistance and eventually, the community prospered economically.
The short film which was produced at the Redeemer’s University was written in the Department of Theatre Arts by Dr Damilola Babarinde and directed by Kunle Abogunloko. The production designer was John Iwuh, while Susan Badeji handled costume and makeup.
In a statement released by Tobi Olanipekun, the Executive Assistant/Media Manager to Prince Adewale Laoye, he said: “Redeemer’s University, Ede, has once again proved its staunch commitment to the emancipation of our heritage and cultural values through a series of social responsibility engagements with h
its host community, Ede.”
“It is taking advantage of dramatic performance to interact, communicate, engage and inspire Ede and the society at large,” he added.
While assuring of Adewale’s readiness to play the role in the play, he stressed:
“Prince Adewale Laoye who has dedicated his life and journey to live the legacies of his father, is more than delighted to play his role in the “Rebirth” film alongside the legendary actor, Chief Deji Aderemi (Olofa’ina) and other amazing members of our groups and the cast in general.”
The annual convocation play used to be a live performance but due to the advent of Covid-19, the university decided to film the performance for online streaming.
Prince Adewale’s refurbished art centre and Palace of Drum fondly referred to as Aafin Ilu in Yoruba parlance was recently commissioned in the ancient city of Ede by the monarch of the town, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal.
