The Co-Founder, Delta Arts Entertainment Ltd., Oluwadamisola Adeyinka, says the creative production company is exploring integrating technology into traditional stage performances, without losing the essence of the live storytelling.

Adeyinka told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos that stage plays brought an irreplaceable sense of presence and authenticity.

“Unlike film, where scenes are edited and controlled, live theatre carries raw energy.

“Every line, movement, and reaction happens in real-time, drawing the audience into the heart of the story.

“Stage plays bring history to life. They make abstract concepts real and emotionally engaging.

“Instead of reading about a king’s struggles in a textbook, you witness his decisions, dilemmas, and consequences firsthand,” he said.

He noted that, however, one of the challenges, particularly with younger audiences, was that they were accustomed to short, fast-paced content.

Adeyinka said that being accustomed to short, fast-paced content created a struggle for cultural stage plays to hold their attention.

He said the production company, which will premiere a play—Ese Oba—in April, had explored bridging the gap through digital-first marketing.

The producer said that digital-first marketing would add interactive elements to make the theatre feel like an event, not a show.

Adeyinka further said that the organisation explored teaser thrillers and interactive elements to make the audience involved before stepping into the theatre.

He said: “The strategy is proving effective, attracting both seasoned theatre lovers and a younger generation looking for fresh cultural experiences.

“If we present cultural theatre in a fresh, engaging way – like we’re doing with Ese Oba – we can spark a resurgence, they’ll embrace it,” he said.

Adeyinka added that, while leveraging the digital habits of younger audiences, it would also ensure that the live performance remained immersive.

“When people realise they’ll only experience this exact performance once, they engage differently.

“Virtual Reality (VR) will allow audiences to step into the world of the play before or after attending.

“We’re also considering live streaming for those who can’t attend physically.

“VR streaming is the real-time broadcasting of virtual reality content over the internet, using specialised equipment including headsets, viewers experience events or virtual world, ” he said.

The creative producer advised that technology should enhance, and not replace the core experience of live performance.

He further noted that though the future might bring new digital adaptations, the magic of theatre remained in the moment.

Speaking on loss of interest by young people in cultural performances, Adeyinka said that there was a trend of young people rediscovering their roots through fashion, music and digital content.