ALUMNI OF THE WEEK
Jethro: My name is Olukayode Abiodun, theatrically and politically known as Jethro.
Stage Voice: It's nice meeting you, sir. It's really been a while.
Jethro: It's my pleasure.
Stage Voice: Please, tell us your state of origin and where you currently reside?
Jethro: My place of birth is Ondo state, and my state of rigin is Ogun state. I am currently serving as a corp member in Ibadan, Oyo state.
Stage Voice: Alright. So Jethro, what did you major in while being an undergraduate, and the reason you chose it?
Jethro: I majored in Directing and it's because it encompasses every aspect of the theatre. As a director, you're the overseer of the whole affairs, leading by example and giving the vision you have to the team. One of my qualities is leadership. So, with my ability to lead and my solid skills and knowledge of theatrical productions, I had the strong will to be a director, and I was able to achieve it.
Stage Voice: That's awesome. So was there any position you occupied in DASA?
Jethro: Hmm, a lot, actually. Lol. And I am always happy I did. I'll mention few. I was an honourable in DASA right from my part one till I graduated and in-between 2019/2020, I was the Clerk of the house. I was two times initiation Cordinator, first as a constitution cordinator secondly as Osao Stage Manager.
Stage Voice: You have really worked for the Association. We commend your commitment sir.
Jethro: All thanks to God and DASA.
Stage Voice: So why did you volunteer to do these? Was there anything you wanted to change?
Jethro: One, I'll say passion. I love leading. It's my thing, and this was what I held unto till my last day on Campus. I was student leader and also led my class. Two, there's always something to do better. I contributed to the welfare and improved the social-political face of DASA. I was one of those who made DASA popular in my time on campus. I represented DASA outside the walls of Pit Theatre. That was because I was already leading at home, and they trusted my decision.
Stage Voice: You have got cogent reasons here. And thanks for making these happen.
Stage Voice: So how did you feel when you graduated?
Jethro: Lol, actually, it was a mixed feeling, I was ready to leave school at that time, and at the same time, I was thinking about the experiences and the people I'm leaving behind. But above all, I felt great that I finished well. That was a relief for me.
Stage Voice: Finishing well is very important. 👏
Stage Voice: So being a graduate, how has the outside world been? Tough or soft?
Jethro: Hmm, this is deep. Smiles. All I will say is you need grace and skills to compete here. This is not drama, this is reality. Life. The world is waiting for everyone.
Stage Voice: This is not drama, not staged. 🤣
Jethro: Honestly
Stage Voice: Hmmm. You need the grace of God and skills to compete.
Jethro: That's it
Stage Voice: Alright. So while being an undergraduate, did you have a side hustle or you were focused on being the SOYINKA?
Jethro: I was the two. I was academics, and I dedicated my time to learning skills, too.
Stage Voice: Alright. And how were you able to juggle both?
Jethro: If you'll ask me well, you'll say how was I able to do it with politics too. Lol
Stage Voice: Oh great.
Jethro: But I actually did it all. I crushed everything. I was everywhere. Classroom, learning skills, and politics. At some point, I even contested for the faculty president. But the secret is "Where there's a will, there's a way".
Stage Voice: Hmmmm. Make DASAITES come and learn from you sir. 😄😄😄
Jethro: Lol. I'll be glad to teach.
Stage Voice: Where there's a will, there's a way.
Stage Voice: So let's leave work now, while being an undergraduate, were you involved in a relationship? If you were, how were able you able to manage it?
Jethro: Lol. I'll gladly answer this to encourage those who who feel like it's impossible to be without relationship(s) as student or drama student. Till I graduated from OAU, I was single. I never dated anyone. Few persons can testify to that. Yeah. That's the truth. That was the only thing I was not involved in as an undergraduate. And no regrets.
Stage Voice: Wow. This is unbelievable 😂 That's a whole lot of focus.
Jethro: Actually. It saved me from a whole lot of stress.
Stage Voice: Mental and financial wise 🤣
Jethro: Yes ooo. Especially the mental part.
Stage Voice: So considering the countless number of unemployed graduates, do you think going to school is a panacea to poverty?
Jethro: Yes. I support schooling 100%. Education gives you privileges and rights. Anybody can have money learned or unlearned, but not everyone has equal rights and privileges when it comes to some situations. I think one degree is not enough sef. Lol
Stage Voice: Hmmm. Education gives you privileges and rights.
Stage Voice: Anybody can have money. It's not restricted to the learned.
Jethro: Exactly. You don't expect someone who hasn't gone to school to be a Chief Judge of the Federation or Attorney or Central Bank Governor. We have a lot of things unlearned will never get. With education, you can be whatever you want to be and more.
Stage Voice: Hmmm. This is really valid. That's the advantage he has over the unlearned.
Jethro: Yeah
Stage Voice: So Jethro, if you are placed on a scholarship, given 2 million naira, a free accomodation, and a lot of foodstuffs, will you choose to further your education in OAU? If yes, why? If no, why?
Jethro: I will. Yes I will.
Stage Voice: Really 😂 Okay why?
Jethro: The reason is because of the offers you've listed here. Scholarship, 2 million naira, free accommodation, and feeding. I have no excuse anymore. I did it once as an undergraduate, and I can do it again as a postgraduate.
Stage Voice: Oya now 🤣🤏
Stage Voice: So any advice for drama students?
Jethro: Drama students should reduce their number of plays and focus on what's selling. Stage plays is just 1% of what's in entertainment, it's not popular anymore. If possible, there should be a shift from theatre to media and film with solid practical, just like plays. When you leave school you'll realise there are a lot of things you don't know or which you know but don't need when you graduate from Drama. Kudos to those who are in Media, if you're doing it yourself, then keep doing it and master the arts. It will pay off. So to everyone else. Keen to what sells and monetisable. Acquire skills, intern in different radio and TV houses rather than plays.
Stage Voice: These really need to be emphasized. 🎉
Jethro: A lot.
Stage Voice: After all the whole stage performances, you end up becoming a novice when it comes to screen acting or anything related to film.
Jethro: I am telling you the truth. How shameful you will have to go through another 6 months to 1 year under someone to learn just one thing from the aspect of filmmaking again. A lot needs to be addressed and worked upon in the coming years in Dramatic Arts Department.
Stage Voice: What's now the essence of the 5 or 6 years spent in the university if you are not doing anything related to where you plan to end up? The curriculum needs to be revised. A lot of revision.
Jethro: Completely
Jethro: The world is evolving.
Stage Voice: As in... really evolving
Stage Voice: So lastly, who do you want to give your shout-out to?
Jethro: I want to shout out to LUMINOUS. These guys are dear to my heart, and I love each and every one of them so much. I am rooting for them.
Stage Voice: Thank you very much for honouring our invitation.
Stage Voice: It means a lot.
Jethro: Thank you so much for counting me worthy. I respect every minute with you. Stay strong 💪
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