Nigerian Actor, Joel Cicero Speaks on How Niger Delta Theatre is Driving Environmental and Social Revolution at the Association for Theatre in Higher Education Annual Conference

Joel Cicero, a Nigerian actor, talker, writer and theatre research expert, took center stage at the Association for Theatre in Higher Education in Theatre for Social Change debut panel, delivering a compelling presentation on how theatre in the Niger Delta has become a catalyst for environmental and social revolution. The session, titled Theatre & Social Change in the Niger Delta Region: A Case Study of The Struggle and Unbroken by Dan Kpodoh, explored the transformative power of theatre in addressing the region’s oil pollution crisis and advocating for systemic change.

Joel Cicero, Panelist & SFSU Literary expert, and Dr. Sukanya Chakrabarti, Artist-Scholar-Teacher, at the Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE) conference in Detroit, Michigan, USA.

Cicero, a graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of Benin, Nigeria is no stranger to the intersection of art and activism. A distinguished poet and recipient of numerous accolades, including the Editor’s Choice Award for the International Society of Poets (2004/2005) and Runner-Up for the Sparrow Poetry Prize (2009), Cicero has long championed the role of theatre as a tool for social justice. His play The Sceptre was featured in the LoveWorld Festival of Music and Arts (LFMA) cavalcade in Johannesburg, South Africa, further cementing his reputation as a visionary in the global theatre community.

Lia Christine Dewey, Debut Panel Coordinator; Jessica Friedman, Panelist & Northwestern University Scholar and Joel Cicero, Panelist & Literary expert at the Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE) conference in Detroit, Michigan, USA.

In his presentation, Cicero delved into the works of Dan Kpodoh, a renowned theatre scholar and artistic director whose plays The Struggle and Unbroken have become seminal works in the Niger Delta performance theatre. These plays, with their gripping narratives and powerful characters, shed light on the environmental degradation, community displacement, and systemic corruption plaguing the oil-rich region.

“Theatre is not just a mirror of life; it is a weapon for transformation,” Cicero asserted, echoing the words of Augusto Boal. He further highlighted “Imagine how Kpodoh’s plays use theatrical dramatizations to expose the neglect of the Niger Delta by oil companies and governments, while also empowering the people to confront their fears and fight for change. Through the characters of Miebi (The Struggle) and Cynthia (Unbroken), Kpodoh’s works illustrate the resilience and determination of the Niger Delta people in the face of oppression”.

Cicero’s presentation also addressed the broader implications of theatre as a tool for advocacy. He posed critical questions to the audience “Can the Niger Delta be redeemed from its current state? Will the government and multinational corporations heed the calls for change amplified by the theatre? And can the people of the region become key players in their own liberation? He asked emphatically.

Anne Catanneo, Dramaturg of Lincoln Center Theatre & Conference Speaker and Joel Cicero, Panelist & SFSU Literary expert, at the Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE) conference in Detroit, Michigan, USA.

Drawing from the works of Kpodoh and other acclaimed playwrights like John Pepper Clark, Cicero emphasized the need for global solidarity in addressing the Niger Delta crisis. He called on humanitarian organizations, governments, and the international community to support the theatre of change and recognize its potential to drive social, cultural, and political emancipation.

As Vice-President of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) at SFSU and a recipient of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) conservatory acting scholarship award, Cicero continues to inspire through his work. His dream of pursuing an acting career in Los Angeles is matched by his commitment to using theatre as a force for good.

“Theatre is not just entertainment; it is a movement,” Cicero concluded. “Through the stories we tell and the characters we create, we can ignite revolutions, challenge oppressive systems, and build a better future for all. I am grateful to The America in Higher Education Theatre & Social Change Debut Panel for the opportunity and platform to share my insights and advocate for the transformative power of theatre. Honestly, there is an urgent need for action in the Niger Delta and the role of art in driving social change is vital.”