Oluchi Igili - Theatre practitioner, teacher, and poet.

Oluchi Igili is a dynamic force in the world of applied theatre, seamlessly blending creativity, scholarship, and activism to transform societies through storytelling. Renowned for her ability to translate collective aspirations into actionable change via collaborative legislative theatre, she is a pioneer exploring the intersections of performance and political engagement.
Hailing from Nigeria, Oluchi’s academic journey is as rich as her artistic pursuits. She began by earning a BA in Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, followed by an MA in English Studies (with a specialisation in drama) at Adekunle Ajasin University, where her love for interdisciplinary studies took root. Her thirst for deeper insights led her to the University of Amsterdam, where she completed a PhD in Theatre Studies (2018-2023), focusing on Theatre for Development, political performance, and decolonial frameworks.
A Career of Impact
Oluchi has dedicated her professional life to teaching, mentoring, and driving meaningful change through theatre and academia:
Adekunle Ajasin University: Spanning over two decades (2001-2022), Oluchi’s tenure encompassed roles in both the English Studies and Performing Arts departments, where she cultivated a thriving learning environment for her students.
University of Groningen: In 2022, she served as a Bachelor Thesis Supervisor, mentoring students to think critically and creatively in their research.
University of Amsterdam: From her role as a PhD Scholar to her current position as a Visiting Fellow, Oluchi continues to push boundaries in the field of theatre studies.
University of Curaçao: Expanding her reach to new audiences, Oluchi fostered an appreciation for interdisciplinary thinking and global perspectives in her students.
A Polymath of Creative Expression
Beyond the classroom, Oluchi is a poet, writer, musician, and video editor, who thrives at the confluence of artistic disciplines. Her dedication to teaching and research is matched by her passion for creative collaboration and her commitment to using theatre as a medium to address societal challenges.
Research Contributions and Vision
Oluchi’s scholarly work spans topics such as performance as a tool for social reform, literature as a lens for understanding human complexities, and interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving. She has published extensively in revered journals, book chapters, and reviews, offering fresh perspectives on the power of theatre to reimagine systems and inspire change.
Looking Ahead
Driven by a desire to inspire globally, Oluchi seeks to extend her expertise to international academic communities. Her vision is to nurture future leaders who embrace creativity, critical thinking, and a commitment to societal progress.
Oluchi Igili is a rare blend of educator, artist, and activist, a passionate advocate for the transformative power of theatre, and a tireless champion of its potential to reshape the world.
Oluchi on LinkedIn: / oluchi-igili-phd
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