The Mass Communication Year two students put up the play, The Lion and the Jewel, on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at the Zaria Classroom in the TY Danjuma Academic Complex.

At about lunchtime, students of the mass communication year two class were seen running around the ground floor of the TY Danjuma building, with some, heading towards the play’s location carrying bags containing props, equipment, and costumes to be used.

In an interview with the director, Adeoya Tofunmi, when asked to describe the journey from the first rehearsal to the costumes, and the challenges she faced, here is what she had to say.

“Directing this play started as a struggle. Having to start this journey alongside my classmates without prior experience and dealing with restrictions caused us to hold back a few times. However, as time passed by, I learned through the help of my lecturer, how to bring a play to life even without proper resources.

At first, my directorial vision was to keep to the script as much as possible. But time constraints, school restrictions, line cutting, and other factors were among some challenges I faced.” She further appreciated her lecturer, classmates, and the School of Media and Communication, for bringing the play to life.

“Thank you to my classmates for all the efforts and to the various departments. Also to my lecturer Dr. Folakemi, and my coordinator Ms. Judith, and the School of Media and Communication (SMC) for assisting us all through. It is truly a dream to have the opportunity to bring a classic by Wole Soyinka to the stage.

According to the lecturer in charge Dr. Folakemi Ogungbe, this is a good way to merge classroom knowledge with practical experience. She also said that she had high expectations for the students.

The performance had in attendance Associate Professor Dr. Anulika Agina, Fr. Ifeanyi Ogboh, Professor Chantel Epie, Dr. Sunday John, and other lecturers of the School of Media and Communication, as well as students.

Other key persons involved in the production were the producer, Zainab Muhammed, Stage Manager, Adio Tomiwa, and Theatre Manager, Gwyneth Udoh.

After a series of rehearsals and improvisations, the students were happy to finally deliver the performance.