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WHAT: |
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The National Troupe of Nigeria will perform the classic Nigerian play “The Gods Are Not to Blame” at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Alys Stephens Center. The event is sponsored by the UAB School of Arts and Humanities and the African-American Studies Program. Admission is free for UAB students, faculty and staff with ID and $10 for the public. For tickets, call 205-975-2787. |
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WHEN: |
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7:30 p.m. Monday, March 14 |
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WHERE: |
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Alys Stephens Center, Sirote Theatre, 1200 10th Ave. S. |
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MORE: |
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The play, written by one of Nigeria’s leading playwrights, Ola Rotimi, uses the story of Oedipus the King to address contemporary issues in Africa and throughout the world. Written in the dark days of the Nigerian civil war, the play is a warning for people to take responsibility for what is happening to them rather than blaming everything on forces beyond their control. The play will be performed in the traditional African style and feature music, dance and traditional African costumes. The cast includes nearly 40 actors, dancers and drummers. UAB African-American Studies Program Director Niyi Coker Jr., Ph.D., a native of Nigeria, will direct the play. Coker also is an associate professor of theatre at UAB. |
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WHO: |
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The National Troupe of Nigeria is based at the National Theatre of Nigeria in Lagos. The group has performed internationally since 1979. Ola Rotimi, who died in 2000, was one of Nigeria’s leading playwrights and theatre directors. For more than two decades Rotimi, a graduate of Yale University, was a professor of drama, playwriting and directing at two Nigerian universities. His publications include six full-length plays and two award-winning productions. Some of his works include “If,” “Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again” and “Hopes of the Living Dead.” |
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The National Troupe of Nigeria (pictured) will perform the classic Nigerian play “The Gods Are Not to Blame” at the UAB Alys Stephens Center on March 14. |
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The National Troupe of Nigeria (pictured) will perform the classic Nigerian play “The Gods Are Not to Blame” at the UAB Alys Stephens Center on March 14. |
 |
The National Troupe of Nigeria (pictured) will perform the classic Nigerian play “The Gods Are Not to Blame” at the UAB Alys Stephens Center on March 14. |
 |
The National Troupe of Nigeria (pictured) will perform the classic Nigerian play “The Gods Are Not to Blame” at the UAB Alys Stephens Center on March 14. |
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