About Us…
Dramatic Arts Students’ Association (DASA) is the mother body of all students of the Department of Dramatic Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
She serves as a platform that nurtures talent, fosters collaboration, and promotes the cultural heritage of theatre.
DASA plays an important role in the academic, social, and artistic lives of its members, serving as as a student umbrella for providing them opportunities; Stage Productions, workshops, seminars, sports, and also initiating them into the theatrical world.
The Mission…
The Dramatic Arts Students’ Association (DASA) is committed to fostering creativity, cultural awareness, and artistic excellence. We aim to provide a platform for Dasaites to explore and develop their theatrical talents while embracing the rich heritage of African culture.
Through education, performance, and collaboration, we aim to nurture well-rounded, theatrical conscious students who will contribute meaningfully to the global theatre community.
The Vision…
Our vision is to serve as a platform that nurtures talent, fosters collaboration, and promotes the cultural heritage of theatre. In addition to this,we aim to play an important role in the academic, social, and theatrical lives of our members, serving as as a student umbrella for providing them opportunities, Stage Productions, workshops, seminars, sports, and also initiating them into the theatrical world.
Furthermore, to be a premier student organization that leads in artistic innovation, cultural preservation, and the development of the next generation of theatre professionals.
We envision a future where DASA is recognized globally for its contributions to the performing arts, embodying the values of creativity, wisdom, and cultural prestige, while impacting society through the transformative power of theatre.
ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVES
The leadership of the Dramatic Arts Students’ Association (DASA) is composed of dedicated and visionary individuals who strive to uphold the values and mission of the association. Each executive member plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of DASA’s activities, fostering a nurturing environment for creativity, collaboration, and academic growth.
Our executives are passionate about theatre, art, and the cultural significance of drama. They work tirelessly to organize stage productions, workshops, seminars, and other events that contribute to both the academic and social lives of DASA members. With their commitment to excellence, they represent the heart of the association, leading with both integrity and innovation.
Their efforts ensure that DASA continues to be a platform where talent thrives, and every member can feel inspired and empowered to contribute to the dynamic world of theatre.
ABOUT OUR DSRC
The Dramatic Arts Students’ Representatives Council (DSRC) serves as the legislative arm of the Dramatic Arts Students’ Association (DASA), ensuring accountability and transparency in all executive functions. The DSRC is responsible for maintaining a system of checks and balances over the executive members, safeguarding the interests of the students and upholding the values of the association. Through regular meetings, discussions, and decision-making processes, the DSRC plays a vital role in promoting fairness and equity within DASA. The DSRC also advocates for students’ rights, addresses their concerns, and collaborates with the executive body to ensure smooth governance.
Their oversight ensures that all activities, policies, and events are conducted in line with the association’s goals and mission.
DASA’s History…
TAKE A DEEP JOURNEY INTO OUR HISTORY
The Association began when NUTAF came into picture in 1979. There is a need for the students representation at the university students festival, so a decision-making body was formed. They had a meeting to have the Association: Dramatic Arts Students Association.
An election was conducted and Professor Ahmed Yerima, a then part two student, emerged as the first president of D.A.S.A in 1979.
Though Professor Wole Soyinka, the then Head of Department of Dramatic Arts, supported them with some amount of money, Professor Ahmed Yerima, knowing the pressure on him as the president, came up with the idea of The Cucumber Theatre. It was then he wrote his first seven plays. As at this time, the Head of the Department of Dramatic Arts was also the chairman of Oduduwa Hall. So they got the venue via him and they performed those plays solely to raise money for NUTAF.
The association led by Professor Ahmed Yerima fought against the actions of the lecturers, especially Femi Osofisan, who would bring non-student actors, write, and direct them in the middle of the night to perform at the university theatre. The students frowned at this because they were not students, and they wanted to write and direct as students too.
They were the very first set of students to perform a full-length play written, directed, and acted by students in NUTAF. The play titled Asylum written by Professor Ahmed Yerima, directed by Professor Teju Ogunmola as acted by the likes of Niyi Coker, Awamareye, and others was recorded as the best play that year. This prompted the decision of NUTAF that plays should be written and directed by students alone under the supervision of the lecturers.
The play Asylum was also performed at the meeting of the nine governors hosted by Chief Bola Ige, the then Governor of Oyo state in Ibadan after the students returned from NUTAF.
After their return from NUTAF, another election was conducted, having Dr. Kemi Stands Ilori as the second president of Dramatic Arts Students Association. Then the flow continues ever since then.
DASA’s Achievement…
MILESTONES OF SUCCESS
DASA’S ACHIEVEMENTS OR RECOGNITIOS
Ojo Joshua Miracle won the maiden edition of Arojah playwriting prize, 2020, and came second in 2021
In 2022, Synagbare won the maiden edition of the NUTASA Playwriting prize
DASA won the second position of the Dean’s cup
The association won the following awards in the TSA 2023;
Revelation of the year Male, revelation of the year female and best playwright.
Testimony Jesutofunmi won the best National theater playwright 2022,
Akinyele Oluwatunmise and Ajing Ntang were recognized to be part of the women of great influence on campus
Adedapo Zimal won the male entrepreneur of the year at the faculty level 2024
Jegede Tomiwa won The most valuable player in the dean’s cup 2024
Olorunshola Isreal and Esokawu Maxwell won two gold medals, a silver medal, and a bronze in 2024 inter faculty taekwando competition.
Esolawu Maxwell won gold in pre Nuga, 2022, and a bronze in inter faculty taekwando competition, 2022.
Akanji Ibukunoluwa won four medals in the Professor Falaye swimming competition 2023;
50m backstroke female- Bronze
50m butterfly female – Silver
50m freestyle female – Silver
200m Individual Medley -silver
She also won three medals in the Ibadan age group Swimming Championship;
100m backstroke – silver
100m freestyle – bronze
200m individual medley – silver
She also won six medals in the OAU sport festival ;
50m backstroke – silver
50m butterfly – gold
50m freestyle – gold
200m individual medley – silver
4x50m mixed freestyle relay – silver
4x50m mixed medley relay – silver
Community Building – DASA X NIMECHE DINNER: a first of its kind to foster community and future collaborations.
Major Performances ;
Induction Ceremony
– Once Upon an Elephant
– The Chase
– Iyase
– Where Three Roads Meet
– Dun Dun Dun
– Intertwined Fate
– Discovering the Rhythm of Africa
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