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Meet Oluchi Igili (Theatre practitioner, teacher, and poet)
In the ever-vibrant tapestry of applied theatre, Oluchi Igili stands as a master weaver, deftly threading the transformative power of storytelling with the raw fibre of social justice. An Applied Theatre Practitioner with a penchant for turning desires into laws through groundbreaking legislative theatre projects, Oluchi embodies the intersection of academia, artistry, and activism.
In their interview, Mark introduced full member Oluchi to the Arts and Culture Network group and co-created her fantasy cultural year by curating activities inspired by her responses to light-hearted questions.
Born with a passion for creativity and driven by an insatiable curiosity, Oluchi’s journey began in Nigeria, where she laid the foundation for her multidisciplinary expertise. A BA in Theatre Arts from the University of Port Harcourt ignited her theatrical spark, while an MA in English Studies (with a flair for drama) from Adekunle Ajasin University fanned it into an illuminating flame.
Her intellectual appetite led her to the University of Amsterdam, where she earned her PhD in Theatre Studies (2018–2023). Here, she delved into the realms of Legislative Theatre, Theatre for Development (TfD), political theatre, and decoloniality, all while cementing her reputation as a scholar unafraid to challenge the status quo.
But Oluchi is far more than an academic. She’s a poet, music lover, writer, and even a dab hand at video editing. With her drama-sensibilities and her deep-seated desire for a just society, she has crafted a career that marries the arts with advocacy.
Oluchi's Career Journey
Adekunle Ajasin University (2001–2025): Oluchi spent over two decades shaping minds, first in the Department of English Studies and later in the Department of Performing Arts. Her legacy? Generations of students steeped in creativity and critical thinking.
University of Groningen (2022): A brief but impactful stint as a Bachelor Thesis Supervisor showcased her ability to guide budding scholars in crafting rigorous and imaginative research.
University of Amsterdam: From PhD Scholar to Visiting Fellow, Oluchi’s Amsterdam years are a testament to her commitment to global academic discourse, focusing on theatre as a tool for societal transformation.
University of Curaçao: Here, she extended her teaching prowess, championing interdisciplinary approaches and fostering a spirit of inquiry among prospectuve PhD candidates.
The Researcher’s Repertoire
Oluchi’s research is an eclectic mix of theatre, literature, and sociopolitical critique. From revered journal articles to thought-provoking book chapters, her work unpacks the role of performance in addressing systemic inequalities and reimagining power structures.
The Woman Behind the Curtain
Self-motivated and endlessly curious, Oluchi is a blend of creativity and discipline. Whether crafting a legislative theatre project, mentoring a student, or penning a poem, her work carries the hallmark of someone deeply committed to making the world a better place.
The Visionary’s Mission
With her sights set on global horizons, Oluchi aspires to teach at foreign universities, where her diverse expertise and boundless passion can inspire a new generation of changemakers. A lifelong learner, she believes that the classroom is not just a place for education but a stage for transformation.
Oluchi Igili: where art meets activism, and academia dances with change.
A Fantasy Cultural Year: Oluchi's Dream Artistic Journey
Watch our interview on Spotify >
Crafted during an engaging conversation with Mark, Oluchi's fantasy cultural year unfolds as a journey of democratic engagement, artistic exploration, and personal growth.
Starting Point: Exploring Oluchi’s Artistic and Social Journey
Oluchi, a trained theatre practitioner and full member of the Arts and Culture Network, reflects on her work in applied theatre, particularly legislative theatre. Her practice aims to strengthen democracy in her home country, Nigeria, through performance-based community engagement. Currently based in Amsterdam as a visiting fellow at the University of Amsterdam, Oluchi’s passion for social change is central to her creative and academic pursuits.
Mark, the founder of the Arts and Culture Network, introduced Oluchi to the group and shared plans to co-create her dream cultural year by curating activities inspired by her responses to some light-hearted questions.
Creative Conversations: Favourite Buildings and Books
Mark and Oluchi discussed their favourite cultural icons. Oluchi named the UN building in New York as her favourite, symbolising global unity and progress. Coincidentally, Mark shared that he had been invited to be a special advisor to the UN Arts and Culture Working Group in 2025. Together, they imagined sitting at a pavement café near the UN building, enjoying the sunshine.
Oluchi also revealed that her favourite book was one that had revolutionised her thinking. This revelation set the tone for a deeper exploration of her intellectual and creative inspirations.
Global Research in Applied Theatre
Mark proposed an exciting - if fantasy - opportunity for Oluchi to conduct international research on applied and legislative theatre. The UN’s Arts and Culture Working Group expressed interest in hiring her for a year-long, well-funded project. This endeavour would involve travelling to countries like Brazil, where legislative theatre originated, to study its effectiveness and popularity, identify key leaders, and document case studies.
The project promised additional perks, including a book deal, a TV series, and a lecture tour. Oluchi eagerly embraced the opportunity, particularly her chance to meet pivotal figures and trace the origins of legislative theatre in Rio.
Brazilian Adventures: Cultural and Musical Immersion
As part of her journey, Oluchi was offered a luxurious apartment overlooking Rio de Janeiro and an invitation to a South African dance performance. In a light-hearted twist, she was asked to limit her musical listening to Christian music for a year as part of a UN experiment exploring cultural impacts.
During their plans for Rio, Oluchi expressed her enthusiasm for attending open-water swimming events, despite not knowing how to swim herself. Mark also suggested visiting a digitally enhanced art gallery, where Oluchi chose to immerse herself in Van Gogh’s Starry Night through virtual reality.
Entertainment Preferences and Role-Playing
Mark and Oluchi curated a week of diverse entertainment, including a pop concert, a theatre play, a musical, an opera, and a cinema outing. Mark proposed a time-traveling adventure to see Paul Simon with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, which Oluchi excitedly accepted. They also discussed The Sound of Music and Puccini's Tosca as highlights of their cultural itinerary.
In a playful role-playing exercise, Oluchi imagined hosting a dinner in Rio, inviting Nigerian politician and businessman Peter Obi. She admired him for representing the change she wished to see in Nigeria. The activity concluded with encouragement for Oluchi to pursue her creative content ventures, including a TED Talk, TV series, lecture tour, and book deal.
Environmental Advocacy: Waste Management Discussions
Oluchi passionately addressed the environmental challenges in Nigeria, particularly the impact of littering during the rainy season. She emphasised the need for education and discussions linking waste management to climate effects. Mark echoed her concerns, citing the Pacific Ocean's plastic island as an example of global environmental neglect.
Cultural Curiosity and Personal Growth
Oluchi’s year is a tapestry of artistic exploration and global impact. Her journey from Nigeria to Amsterdam to Rio symbolises her commitment to merging creative expression with social change, leaving an indelible mark on the world.
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Mark Walmsley FRSA FCIM AGSM
Chief Culture Vulture
Arts & Culture Network
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