Water Fights Back in Lagos: A Performance Reading of Aqua-Terrestrial Futures in Ojo Bakare’s “Ekun Omi”

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25120/etropic.24.2.2025.4146

Keywords:

aqua-terrestrial futures, blue humanities, ecocriticism, “Ekun Omi", African Theatre Performance, Lagos’ urbanisation, Nigerian tropics

Abstract

The Nigerian tropics is home to diverse ecosystems and rich cultural traditions. Taking up water as a material and symbolic force in relation to urbanisation, ecological deterioration, and colonial history, this work analyses Ojo Bakare's play “Ekun Omi” [When Water Cries] in a performative reading of Lagos' aqua-terrestrial futures. Through metaphor, the African theatre production examines the complex interaction between the city's aquatic systems and its human residents in light of flooding, climate change, overpopulation, and the socio-political marginalisation of Indigenous knowledge. Drawing on ecocriticism and the blue humanities, this paper takes a multifaceted approach to understanding water as a victim and agent of ecological retribution. It highlights the transformative power of Bakare’s work in depicting the ecological crisis in Lagos, while engaging the audience in collective responsibility for the future. “Ekun Omi” provides a critical and speculative analysis of Lagos' trajectory, showcasing how any viable future for the city must acknowledge the intricate bond between humans and the natural world—especially watery domains.

Author Biographies

Princewill Chukwuma Abakporo, Bowen University Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria

Princewill Chukwuma Abakporo teaches in the Theatre Arts Program at Bowen University in Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria. He is a member of the Guild of Nigerian Dance Practitioners (GONDP), the Society of Nigerian Theatre Artists (SONTA), and a research associate with Theatre Emissary International (TEMI). In addition, he is the artistic director of African Pot Theatre in Owerri, Imo State, and the director of research and strategic collaborations for Bowen University's Theatre Arts Program. His study uses autochthonous epistemologies, mainly through Indigenous performative arts, to examine decoloniality, environmental sustainability, and Africa's Indigenous performative cultures and aesthetics. A variety of funded and self-financed performances, including the Oyi Dance (social reflections), This is Nigeria (a comment on Nigerian politics), and Ara Wa Ninu Jigi (a cultural piece), are examples of the works Princewill has produced and performed that reflect this passion. He has a BA in Theatre Arts, MA in African Drama and Theatre, and a PhD in African Dance and Choreography.

Abdulmalik Adakole Amali, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

Abdulmalik Adakole Amali is a renowned Technical Theatre lecturer in the Department of Performing and Film Arts at University of Ilorin. With over 14 years of experience in academia, he has established himself as a leading expert in scenography. His research focuses on Technical Theatre, Theatre Design and Technology, Film Arts, Performance Aesthetics and Cultural Studies. He has published numerous papers in top-tier journals and books. As an educator, Amali is passionate about creating and engaging inclusive learning environments to support students, research, community services, and university committees. He has supervised numerous undergraduate and graduate students. Dr Amali holds a B.A. in Creative Arts from the University of Maiduguri, an M.A. and Ph.D. from the Department of the Performing Arts, University of Ilorin (specializing in Technical Theatre) and is a member of professional organizations.

Fidelis Enang Egbe, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria

Fidelis Enang Egbe is an Assistant Professor of History and International Studies, Bowen University, Iwo. He is the current Vice President (Southwest) of the Historical Society of Nigeria, a member of the Council of the Historical Society of Nigeria, Ag. Head of Programme, History and International Studies, Bowen University. He is a consultant on curriculum and historical studies.

Stanley Timeyin Ohenhen, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria

Stanley Timeyin Ohenhen is Associate Professor of Theatre Management, Arts Administration, Advocacy, and Entrepreneurship at Bowen University in Iwo, Nigeria. He holds a PhD in Theatre Management and Arts Administration from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. His research focus, starting with his doctoral dissertation on the Musical Society of Nigeria, is in management and the economics of performing arts and culture, African indigenous epistemologies, language revitalisation and cultural renaissance, eco-criticism, and the role of theatre in societal development. At Bowen University, Stanley is a faculty of the Theatre Arts Programme teaching courses in Theatre Management, Arts Administration, Entrepreneurship, Aesthetics, Gender Studies, and Performance Studies. He has served in various administrative capacities, including but not limited to, the Head of the Theatre Arts Programme, the Provost of the College of Liberal Studies, and a member of the University’s Senate.

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Published

2025-04-21

How to Cite

Abakporo, P. C., Amali, A. A., Egbe, F. E. ., & Ohenhen, S. T. . (2025). Water Fights Back in Lagos: A Performance Reading of Aqua-Terrestrial Futures in Ojo Bakare’s “Ekun Omi”. ETropic: Electronic Journal of Studies in the Tropics, 24(2), 19–46. https://doi.org/10.25120/etropic.24.2.2025.4146

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Vol. 24 No. 2 (2025): Tropical Futurisms: Making Futures

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