THE FOURTH WALL - ISRAEL PAYS TRIBUTE TO HIS ALMA MATER

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ISRAEL PAYS TRIBUTE TO HIS ALMA MATER

Nawao, how Nollywood manages to covet all the handsome men with fine hair cut, side burns and body build is just amazing. Again, I am pleased to introduce another dashing young man to you fourth wallers. Join me in saying hello to, Mr. Israel.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: How would you like to be introduced?

Israel: My name is Israel Udochukwu Isaac, the CEO of Iziobago productions. I'm an actor,   choreographer, dancer, director, manager and Master of ceremonies.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: Good to meet you. Did you study theatre arts?

Israel: Yes, I did.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: How long have you been practicing?

Israel: Over twenty years now.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: Do you do stage or screen productions?

Israel: I do both,  including radio productions.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: What are the differences and their challenges?

Israel: The major difference is in the audience response.  One is delayed (screen), while the other is immediate (stage). The next is that stage is perfection before performance while screen is perfection after performance.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: If you could go back in time, is there anything you would do differently? (Do you regret being a thespian and would you change it if you could?)

Israel: Not at all.  I feel good about my profession. Probably what I might want more before now would be more connected to cutting edge producers, directors, actors, choreographers, and cinematographers alike.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: Now to the quick questions. Only short answers are required. What's your favorite play text?

Israel: I don't have, but let me pick Obaseki by Don Pedro Agbonifo Obaseki.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: What's your favorite Nollywood movie?

Israel: Husbands of Lagos.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: Who's your favorite playwright?

Israel: Let me choose  Femi Osofisan (prof.).

Sandra T. Adeyeye: Who's your favorite actor, director, dop/lightsman, costumier and set designer?

Israel: Actors – Taraji P. Henson, Denzel Washington and Eddie Murphy not Nigerians but Africans – lol!

Then directors - Ayo Atoki, (a product of my Alma mater), Dr Tunde Awosanmi (University of Ibadan Theatre arts department) and Tyler Perry. Set designer is Gideon (a product of UI theatre arts department).
Costumier is between Tolu Ajayi and Omolabake Adeleke (products of my department).
Choreographers - Dayo Liadi,  Seun Awobajo,  Floyd Igbo,  Segun Adefila,  TinTallTony,  Qudus Onikeku,  Slim Ikonta,  Efe Ola Augustine (CEO of  Olaijo Art World)  among several others.
Dancers - Samson Akanni,  Margaret Osuji,  Gold Ugoji (BlackBone theatre),  and Maryjane Watchman and  Arese Emokpae (winner of the first Edition or Second Edition of the VOICES Nigeria).

Sandra T. Adeyeye: Who's your African favorite comedian and why?

Israel: Eddie Murphy. He is a master of the art of bringing delight to his audience.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: Are you a member of any body governing performance in Nigeria?

Israel: Yes.  Guild of Nigerian  Dancers (GOND),  and National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP).

Sandra T. Adeyeye: How would you like to be remembered?

Israel: As an ambassador of truth through the arts.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: And your last words to NiWco readers.

Israel: Art is more than entertainment,  it's a  tool for sociopolitical,  economic,  religious, and anthropological reforms.

Sandra T. Adeyeye: Thanks for your time.

Israel: You are welcome.

You can follow Israel U Isaac on all his social media pages with: Israel Isaac.

Remember to like, share and leave a comment in the comment section. Thank you fourth wallers.

SANDRA T. ADEYEYE,

Author of Woman and Founder NiWco_street.

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