Veteran actor, director, dramatist and culture consultant, Makinde Adeniran, (fta), shares some of the standout moments in his career, in this interview with TONY OKUYEME. He also talks about challenges, passion for musical theatre, and other issues
Can you tell us about your journey into the world of acting and how you got started in the industry?
Just like every young self aware secondary school students, my passion for theatre grew in Igbobi College, Lagos. From there, I found my way to the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, where during the time, lots of theatre companies hold rehearsals around the National Theatre
As a veteran actor, what have been some of the highlights or standout moments in your career?
When I received an invitation from West Yorkshire Theatre in Leeds (UK) to come and be part of the premiere of Wole Soyinka’s play ‘Beatification of Area Boy’.
This was during the Professor’s time in exile. That was how theatre got me into that exile. However, it was a remarkable experience in my career. So far, the story is yet to be told.
You have also worked as a theatre director, producer, and writer. How did you venture into these different roles and how do they complement your acting career?
For me, acting is not what I learnt in the theatre. I believe acting is just the harbinger of the real gift (Directing and Writing) that needed to be skilled.
So when I eventually decided to go to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), the focus of my training was directing. Then writing naturally manifested itself from further training after university.
What do you find most fulfilling about being involved in the theatre industry in multiple capacities?
What I find interesting is the array of talent that we have and yet to be displayed or commensurately remunerated by both government and immediate employers because of the lack of proper policy position or none of it, and abysmal lack of infrastructure to augment the effort of practitioners.
What are some of the challenges you have faced as an actor, director, producer, and writer, and how did you overcome them?
Deficiency in workers because of not enough training, sometimes, outright indiscipline. Another thing is the lack of adequate funding for good projects or none of it.
The only way to overcome all of these has been to keep on pushing and galvanizing the community in other ways such as through loans, available grants, or the Grotowski approach to some projects.
Can you share any memorable or significant productions that you have been a part of either as an actor or a director?
When late Uche Nwokedi (SAN) was shopping for a director for a musical in the 90s, eventually, he got me into his office on Military Street, Off King George Road, Onikan, Lagos. In that interview, I was corky, a feeling that every young director exhibits at the early stage of their craft.
That day, the wife came into the interview, sat right before me. I noticed she was looking at me but I was too proud to see what she noticed on me.
It was the two different colours of socks I wore on my legs… In those days, most of us prided ourselves on being marxist, but I know now we got that ideology out of context in those early days.
With such a diverse skill set, how do you choose which projects to take on?
What criteria do you have in mind while selecting roles or productions? To get me on any project is about what the project means for society, and the handlers of such project. I am a humanist, so I get involved in projects that tick the boxes that satisfy human yearnings both in content and remuneration.
As an experienced theatre professional, how have you seen the industry evolve over the years? Are there any significant changes or trends that you have noticed?
The industry has really thrived in talents and content, but still lacking a lot in structure, welfare and infrastructure. Without these things, it may be difficult for the nation to make business models out of the industry.
The trend nowadays is to mute the theatre practice or reduce it to mere “entertainment”. It is sad and speaks volume of our shortsightedness.
What advice would you give to aspiring actors who are looking to make a mark in the theatre industry?
Keep skilling your talent, because creativity is like land, it never depreciates in business over the years, rather, it appreciates.
Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you are particularly excited about? Can you give us a sneak peek into what’s next in your career?
Yes, presently, I am working on a musical project with some notable government agencies… It is an adaptation of a world-renowned published play and equally written by a notable playwright.
As an actor, director, producer, and writer, how do you manage to balance your various responsibilities and maintain your creativity across different projects?
Every project hires me for a specific area for expertise, so, that makes my job on everyone of such projects, a defined area of operation. On my own, I don’t bite more than I can chew. I am a focused professional.
Is there a particular genre or style of theatre that you feel most connected to or enjoy working on the most?
Nowadays, I love working in musical theatre. It is more challenging and rewarding.
How do you approach character development as an actor and director? Do you have any specific techniques or methods that you rely on?
Sure. I handle character development with carefulness because I do more psych directing or acting to develop a role with an actor when I am the director. And when I am the actor, I do a lot of going into the character’s head as agreed with the director to deliver the role.
Throughout your extensive career, have you ever felt burnt out or faced a creative block?
If so, how did you overcome it and find inspiration again? Yes. That was the reason I moved to musical theatre. Straight drama was becoming boring after o many years of doing it. So, I was able to reboot by crossing very to take another look at already published plays for adaptation into musical theatre.
What do you believe is the importance and power of theatre in today’s society, particularly in challenging times?
Theatre is the engine room for the performative arts. So, it is important understand the power the theatre brings so that a performer can always run back to the laboratory (Theatre) to reinvent themselves for newer projects ahead.
Lastly, what legacy do you hope to leave behind as a veteran actor, director, producer, and writer?
What impact do you want to make on the industry and future generations of theatre professionals? I did my best in both knowledge sharing and value sharing which introduces a clearer path to those coming behind.
Considering the nature of the profession, how have you been able to stay out of scandals?
I guess it is by minding my business and deliberately keeping my head down.
What have been the major challenges so far, and how have you been able to surmount them?
Sponsorship and support for the theatre. I have only been able to surmount it by looking forward, believing it will soon turn around if we keep pushing.
Any regrets?
At this age and time? None…. Or maybe I should not have been born here, where my talent is not considered and valued as it should be.
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
I'm Building PDP, Not Tearing it Apart - Wike Addresses The Press (Video)
VIDEO: Man Caught While Waiting For a Minor he Had Solicited S£x From Online
Emotional Moment Femi Adebayo Presented His 2025 AMVCA Trophies to His Dad, Adebayo Salami
Rapper, Phyno Unveils His Daughter, Shares Adorable Video to Mark Her Second Birthday
Ex Madrid Player, Xabi Alonso Seals Managerial Move To Real Madrid As Ancelotti Bows Out
Retired Teacher, Mallam Kabiru Killed, Wife Abducted As Bandits Invade Zamfara School Quarters
Army Busts Gunrunning Syndicate in Plateau, Two Arrested With AK-47 (Photos)
Ringside Rumble? Fans Hype Possible Boxing Showdown Between Small Doctor And Portable