Curriculum Vitae

GRACE UCHECUKWU ADINKU Department of Performance Studies LAAH 204, Texas A&M University, TAMU 4240 College Station, TX. 77843 Email: [email protected]

Education 2020 MA Performance Studies, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.

2013 Ph.D. African Arts and Culture Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi. Ghana. Dissertation: The Artistic Element in Dipo Custom of the Krobo in Ghana.

2010 M.Phil. Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

1999 MA Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

1995 BA Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

1991 Diploma in Theatre Arts, Department of Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Academic Positions 2020-present Lecturer, Texas A&M University. College Station, Texas.

2018- 2020 Graduate Assistant, Texas A&M University. College Station, Texas.

2012-2015 Lecturer, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.

2010 -2011 Visiting Lecturer, Redeemer’s University, Mowe. Ogun State, Nigeria.

2005-2008 Tutor, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana. (I was on study leave for my Ph.D. from 2008-2012)

2003 Visiting Lecturer, Department of Theatre Arts, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana

2000-2005 Junior Arts Fellow, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Publications Book Chapter

With Francis Gbomittah. “Makeup and Costume as a means of dramatic expression in selected Nigerian Yoruba Home videos”. Inside Nollywood: Issues and Perspectives on Nigerian Cinema. Edited by Sola Fosudo and Tunji Azeez. New York: Franklin International Publishers. (2017). 289309. 1

Refereed Journal Articles

“Dipo: The Krobo Ghanaian Puberty Rite and Art.” Matatu: Journal for African Culture and Society. Vol 48, (2), (2016): 450-474.

With Say, S. “Developmental phases of Ghanaian and Nigerian theatre from the late 19th century to date.” The PARNASSUS… University of Uyo Journal of Cultural Research, Vol.10, (2014): 40 - 53.

With Gbormittah, F. “The impact of performativity on the form and aesthetics of African screen media in production and reception.” The Performer: Ilorin Journal of the Performing Arts, Vol.15. (2013): 68-74.

With Adedina, B. N., & Bolaji, E. T. “Women of Osofisan: Beyond fiction.” European- American Journals, Vol.1.2. (2013): 59-66.

With Kwakye-Opong, R. “Costume as a medium for cultural expression in stage performance.” Journal of Arts and Design Studies (IISTE) Vol. 8. (2013): 9-18.

“Makeup: A significant tool for the theatre performer.” Ibadan Journal of Theatre Arts (IJOTA), Vols.7&8. (2011/2012):193-208.

With Kwakye-Opong, R. “The challenges facing a fledgling home video Industry in Ghana.” The PARNASSUS…University of Uyo Journal of Cultural Research. Vol.6. (2010): 228-241.

“Stage make-up: An actor’s affair.” Theatre Studies Review Journal, Vol.4.1. (2004): 50- 62.

Work in progress Chapter in a Book Project “Performing Africa in America: An appraisal of the Costumes for The Reign of WAZOBIA on Eau Claire Stage”. Emerging Perspectives on Tess Onwueme, African world Press (Accepted for publication in a special volume edited by Maureen Eke. Expected 2021)

Teaching Experience: Texas A&M University Department of Performance Studies Undergraduate Theatre History II (Fall2020 to present) Introduction to World Theatre. Taught assigned topics as graduate teaching assistant with Ann Quackenbush the class instructor ( Fall 2018-Spring 2020) Dress, Culture, & Society. Carried out assigned responsibilities as graduate teaching assistant with Rayna Middleton Dexter (Fall 2018) Design as performance. Performed assigned responsibilities as graduate teaching assistant with Rayna Middleton Dexter (Spring 2019)

2 University of Ghana Department of Theatre Arts Graduate Theatre Making Concepts. Team-taught with Sandy Arkhurst (Fall 2012- Spring 2015) Advanced Costume & Makeup. Team-taught with Regina Kwakye-Opong (Fall 2012- Spring 2015)) Period Style for the Theatre. (Fall 2012-Spring 2015) Seminar/Project presentation11 (Fall 2012-Spring 2015) Research Methods II (Fall 2012- Spring 2015). Undergraduate Theatre for Development (Fall 2013-Spring2015) Production Participation (Fall 2012-Spring 2015) Drama in African Societies (Fall 2013, Fall 2014, Fall2015) History of Drama and Theatre (Beginnings to Rome) (Fall 2012-Spring 2015)

Redeemer University Theatre Arts Department Undergraduate Theatre Production Workshop III (Fall 2010- Spring2011) Design and Technical Theatre I & 11 (Costume & Make up option) (Fall 2010- Spring 2011) Costume and Makeup: Advance Study (Fall 2010) Costume and Makeup: Advance Practice (Spring 2011)

University of Ghana Department of Theatre Arts (I was on study leave from 2008-2012) Undergraduate Production Participation (Fall 2005- Spring 2008) Theatre Management. Team-taught with Ben Abdallah (Spring 2005, Spring 2006 ) Costume and Make up. Team-taught with Cecilia Adjei (Fall 2005, Fall 2016, Fall 2007) Introduction to the Theatre (Fall 2005- Spring 2008) Theatre Workshop. Team-taught with Regina Kwakye-Opong(Fall 2005- Spring 2008) History of Drama and Theatre (Beginning to Rome) (Spring 2006, Spring 2007, 2008) Diploma History of Drama and Theatre (Fall 2005- Spring 2007) Production Participation (Fall 2005- Spring 2007)

University of Ghana Department of Theatre Arts Undergraduate Drama in Education. Team-taught with Sandy Arkhurst (Fall 2003) Acting Techniques. Team-taught with Sandy Arkhurst (Fall 2003) Costume and Stage Make Up. Team-taught with Cecilia Adjei (Fall 2003)

University of Ibadan Department of Theatre Arts Graduate Production Workshop (Spring 2000, Spring 2001, Spring 2002) Undergraduate Directing and Stage Management (Fall 2000, Fall 2021, Fall 2002) Production Workshop (Fall 2000-Fall2002,) Design and Technical Theatre (Fall 2000, Fall 2021, Fall 2002) Introduction to Theatre: Design and Organization (Fall 2000, Fall 2021- Fall 2002,) Costume and Makeup (Fall 2000, Fall 2021, Fall 2002)

3 Costume and Makeup (Spring 2000, Spring 2021,Spring 2002) Practical Theatre II (Spring- Spring 2002)

Conference participation, presentations and panels chaired 2020 -“Higher Education Teaching and Learning in Texas A&M University system in the COVID- 19”. The 2nd National Association of Theatre Education Virtual International Conference. Lagos Nigeria. November 2020.

2020 - Book review and discussion of Kolera Kolej by Femi Osofisan. The 22nd Lagos Book & Art FestivalColloquium titled “The State of Flux”. Lagos Nigeria. November 2020.

2019 - Attended African Studies Association Conference. “Being, Belonging and Becoming in Africa”. Boston Marriott Copley Place, Boston, Massachusetts, November 2019.

2016 – with Bunmi Adedina & Oluwatoyin James. “Tales retold in select Femi Osofisan’s plays”. The Femi Osofisan, Post-Negritude Tradition and 50 years of Nigerian Literary Drama Conference. University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. June 2016.

2015 - with Bunmi Adedina & Femi Adedina. “Women of power and power of the woman (A study of selected plays)”. First International conference of the African Studies Association of Africa (ASAA). University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. Oct 2015.

2014 – with Iddirss Saudu. “The Popular Theatre Pedagogy: Panacea for the Unending Conflict of the Bawku Municipality”. 12th annual Colloquium of the Faculty of Arts. University of Ghana Legon. Accra. April 2014.

2013 - “Dipo: the Krobo Puberty Rites and Art”. Midwest Popular Culture Association and Midwest American Culture Association annual conference. St. Louis, Missouri. October 2013.

2013 - Chaired Panel “Global perspectives in Arts, Myth and Film.” the Midwest Popular Culture Association and Midwest American Culture Association annual conference. St. Louis, Missouri. October 2013.

2013 - “African Traditional Theatre: The Igbo Wrestling Experience”. 11th Annual Colloquium of the Faculty of Arts, University of Ghana, Legon. Accra. April 2013.

2012 - Chaired Panel “Performing Arts and National Cultures”, at the University of Ghana School of Performing Arts 50 years Anniversary International Conference. Accra, October 2012.

2010 - “Women of Osofisan: Beyond Fiction”. African Theatre Association (AfTA), Makerere University, Uganda, July 2010.

2010 - “Costume Design on the Nigerian Stage and Home video Industry: Function and Relevance”. Redeemers Christian Church of God Annual Drama Ministry convention/Solemn Assembly, Redeemers University Youth Centre, Ogun State, May 2010. 4

2009 - With Kwakye-Opong, R. “Echoes from Black Africa that cannot be buried: The Legacy of Efua Sutherland on the Image of African women”. African Literature Association (ALA), University of Vermont, Bloomington, April 2009.

2008 - with Kwakye-Opong, R. “The Challenges Facing the Fledgling Home Video Industry in Ghana”. African Literature Association (ALA), Western Illinois University, Macomb, April 2008.

2007 – with Kwakye-Opong, R. “Costume as Medium for Cultural Expression in Stage Performance”. African Theatre Association (AfTA), Goldsmiths University of London, U.K. August 2007.

2007 - “Theatre and Folk Media in Advocacy for HIV/AIDS Management”. International Federation of Theatre Research (IFTR-FIRT) Annual Conference, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, July 2007.

2006 – With Awo Asediu. “A Stab in the Dark and Ripples: Ghanaian Home Videos in search of an enduring Aesthetics”. African Studies Association of the UK Biennial Conference, SOAS University of London UK, September 2006.

2006 - “Aesthetics as a vehicle in African Drama: A study of Wole Soyinka’s Death and the King’s Horseman”. African Literature Association (ALA), Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Accra. Ghana. May 2006.

Creative works (artistic roles played in stage & home video productions) Cultural artistic consultant 2020 - As Nigerian/ Yoruba cultural and artistic consultant for the play Death and the King’s Horseman by Wole Soyinka and directed by Gulshirin Dubash at the Interlochen Center for the Arts Academy Michigan. USA. October 15-17 2020.

As Costume/Make-Up Artiste, (stage productions) 2014 - The Reign of WAZOBA by Tess Onwueme, and directed by Steve Daniel and Grace Adinku for the celebration of the archival collection in honour of Professor Tess Onwueme, eminent University professor of global letters for her exceptional achievement and contribution to World literature/drama at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, WI. October 18, 2014

2012 - Langbodo: A Forest of a Thousand Daemons by Wale Ogunyemi and directed by Bernard Adijirackor as staff assigned production for the Department of Theatre Arts, at the Efua Sutherland Drama Studio, School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana. Legon, Accra, Ghana. October 25 – 27, 2012

2012 - Leopard’s Choice by Yaw Asare and directed by Solomon Dartey as staff assigned production commissioned for the 50th anniversary of the School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra.Ghana. October 3-5, 2012

5 2011 - Kongi’s Harvest by Wole Soyinka and directed by Tunde Awosanmi for the 77th Birthday ceremony of Wole Soyinka at the Arts Theatre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. August 2 – 5, 2011

2010 - Tegonni: An African Antigone by Femi Osofisan and directed byTunde Awosanmi for the Classic Department, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. Nov 2-3, 2010

2010 - The Family by Comish Ekiye and directed by Kola Oyewo as the 2nd Convocation play for the Redeemer’s University (RUN) Mowe, Ogun State. Nigeria. September 29, & October 6- 7, 2010

2010 - Red carpet in honour of Wole Soyinka on his 76th birthday ceremony held at the Munson Center, Onikan, Lagos, Nigeria. July 13, 2010.

2010 - Women of Owu by Femi Osofisan and directed by Yemi Akintokun, for the National Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) Oyo State in celebration of the International Theatre Day at the Arts Theatre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. March 27-31, 2010

2009 - The Fabulous Adventures of the Sugarcane Man: An English adaptation of D.O. Fagunwa’s novel Ireke Onibudo by Femi Osofisan, and directed by Tunde Awosanmi for the annual Chams PLC Theatre Series at the Cultural Center, Ibadan, Nigeria. November 9-19, 2009

2007 - Ananse in the land of Idiots by Yaw Asare and directed by Africanus Aveh, at the Efua Sutherland Drama Studio, School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra. Ghana. October 5-7, 2007.

2007 - Oedipus Rex by Sophocles and directed by Martin Owusu for Cal bank season of theatrical events, at the Efua Southerland Drama Studion, School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra.Ghana. March 8-1, 2007.

As Costume/Makeup Artistes (Home Video Productions) 2014 - GODJE by Olagbaju Olawole Tunmise and directed by Kola Okeowo for the Christian Drama Network of Ghana film project. Accra, Ghana. January 24-29, 2014.

2010 -What shall Separate us by Ranti Olugbitan & directed by Sola Falola for the Redeem Christian Church of God National Drama Unit, Nigeria. May 25 -30, 2010.

2010 - More than Conqueror by Olubunmi Julius Adeoye & directed by Sola Falola for the Redeem Christian Church of God National Drama Unit, Nigeria. June 1-7, 2010.

As Artistic Director 2014 - Childe International by Wole Soyinka, commissioned by the Lumina Foundation, Mmofra Foundation and the Center for Intellectual Renewal for the 80 birthday celebration of Wole Soyinka at the Efua Sutherland Drama Studio, School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana. Legon, Accra. July 6-7, 2014. 6

2014 - Such is Life by Femi Osofisan, as staff production for the Abibigoromma Theatre Group, School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, Legon at the Efua Sutherland Drama Studio, School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana. Legon, Accra. March 27-29, 2014.

2013 - Yungba Yungba and the Dance Contest by Femi Osofisan, as staff production for the Department of Theatre Arts, at the Efua Sutherland Drama Studio, School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra. September 19-22 & 26-28, 2013.

2011 - Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again by Ola Rotimi, as part of Ph.D Research/staff production for Theatre Arts Department, Redeemer’s University (RUN). Mowe, Ogun State. Nigeria. May 16-18, 2011.

Co-Director / Assistant Director 2015 - with Femi Osofisan. “Arrow of God, The Wound of Man” (A Femi Osofisan stage adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s novel, Arrow of God). Commissioned by the Pan African Writer Association (PAWA) in honor of Chinua Achebe’s life and works at the 22nd International African Writer’s Day celebration. Performance by Abibigromma Drama Company of the National Theatre, Ghana at the National Theatre, Accra. Ghana. November 7, 2015.

2015 – Femi Osofisan. “The Discombobulation of A Rookie Patriot” (A Femi Osofisan’s stage adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s novel, A Man of the People). Commissioned by the Pan African Writer Association (PAWA) in honor of Chinua Achebe’s life and works at the 22nd International African Writer’s Day celebration. Performance by Abibigromma Theatre Group, School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, Legon, at the National Theatre, Accra., Ghana. November 5, 2015.

2014 – Steven Daniel. The Reign of WAZOBA by Tess Onwueme, commissioned by University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire for the celebration of archival collection in honor of Professor Tess Onwueme, the University’s professor of global letters for her exceptional achievement and contribution to World literature/drama in the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, Wisconsin. USA. October 18, 2014.

As an Actor 2013 - Sweep. An improvisational piece created by Wura –Natasha Ogunji as part of the performance art presentation during Yari Yari Ntoaso: Continuing the Dialogue, International Conference on Literature by Women of African Ancestry. Accra, May 16 - 19, 2013. (Role-played: Immigrant).

2010 - Women of Owu by Femi Osofisan and directed by Yemi Akintokun for the National Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts practitioners (NANTAP) Oyo State in celebration of the International Theatre Day at the Arts Theatre, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. March 27-31, 2010. (Role-played: Lawunmi).

As an Actor: (Home Video Productions) 2014 - GODJE by Olagbaju Olawole Tunmise and directed by Kola Okeowo for the

7 Christian Drama Network of Ghana film project. Accra, Ghana. January 24 -29, 2014. (Role- played: Queen).

2013 - Girlz Hostel. A television situation comedy written by Lara Adewale, produced and directed by Yinka Smart Babalola. Ibadan, June 5-15, 2013. (Role-played: Mama Bee’s Mother).

2010 - What shall Separate us by Ranti Olugbitan & directed by Sola Falola for the Redeem Christian Church of God National Drama Unit, Nigeria. May 7-12, 2010. (Role-played: Mama Twins).

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Participant: Playwriting workshop. Kwara State University, Malete. Nigeria. March 4-8, 2015.

Resource person: Workshop on the effect of research in designing classical costumes. Ajilete Drama Company annual group training. February 8-9, 2015.

Participant: Proposal writing training workshop: Humanities & Social Science Faculty. University of Ghana Carnegie next generation of academics in Africa project. December 3-5, 2013.

Participant: Performance Art workshop, Yari Yari Ntoaso: Continuing the Dialogue, International Conference on Literature by Women of African Ancestry. Accra. May 16-19, 2013.

Participant: Strategic Marketing and Audience Development for Cultural Organization. Ghana National Theatre, Accra. February 7-8, 2013.

Participant: Proposal writing workshop. Council of Learned Societies and the University of Ghana, Centre for African Wetlands, University of Ghana, Legon. May 14-17, 2010.

Resource Person: Workshop on creating stage costumes and make-up, Ijanikin College of Education, Theatre Arts Department, Lagos. April 9, 2010.

GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIP 2019: Travel Assistance from Department of Performance Studies, Texas A&M University to attend African Studies Association Conference in Boston. $1100:00

2015: Travel Assistance from the School of Performing Arts University of Ghana to attend Playwright’s Confab and workshop in Nigeria with selected students. $1000:00.

2013: University of Ghana Research Innovation & Development (ORID) Conference Grant $1500:00. . 2008: University of Ghana Research Innovation & Development (ORID) Conference Grant $1500:00.

2007: University of Ghana Research Innovation & Development (ORID) Conference Grant $1500:00.

8 2003: Rotary International University Teacher’s Scholarship. $12,000:0 August to December 2003.

Awards Certificate of Recognition by Ford Foundation International Fellowships Program, Nigeria. 2014.

Certificate of Merit by Abibigromma Resident Theatre Company, School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana. 2004.

Award for Staff Adviser, Association of Theatre Arts Student (ATAS), Theatre Arts Department, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. 2003.

Services Departmental Responsibility Member, graduate students oral examination panel, Department of Theatre Arts, University of Ghana, Legon. August 2013 to 2015

Student academic adviser, BFA level 100, Department of Theatre Arts, School of Performing Arts, College of Humanities, University of Ghana, Legon. 2006 to 2007

Member, University of Ghana International Programme Scholarship Interview Panel, University of Ghana, Legon. January 2007

Committee member, School of Performing Arts Ghana 50th Celebrations Organizing committee, University of Ghana, Legon. November 2006

Theatre manager, Arts Theatre, University of Ibadan. Ibadan. December 2003 to January 2005

Costume and wardrobe mistress, Department of Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan. Ibadan. August 2000 to January 2005

Committee member, Financial Committee, Department of Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan. Ibadan. 2002 to 2004

Staff advise, Association of Theatre Arts Student (ATAS), Department of Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan. Ibadan. August 2001 to January 2005

Conferences Organizing committee member, the 12th Annual Faculty of Arts Colloquium, University of Ghana. Legon. September 2013

Community Service Facilitator, Drama for social Change project, Senior Correctional Center Accra, Ghana. 2012-2015

Member, Board of Theatre for a Change, Ghana. 2013 to 2015

9 Extension service Guest lecturer and project supervisor, School of International Programme (SIT) study abroad programme Ghana. University of Ghana, Legon, Accra. 2006 to 2013

Ford Foundation International Fellowships Program, Nigeria. Member Scholarship Interview Panel 200620013

Guest Instructor New York University Study abroad program Accra. 2006-2007

Volunteer Service

Career Closet, Texas A&M University January 27, 2020 to April 2020

Down syndrome Association of Brazos Valley February 2020 to March 202

International Student Conference Spring 2020 with International Student Services, Texas A&M University. January 9th 2020

New Graduate Students Orientation spring 2019 with the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies, Texas A&M University. January 11th, 2019

Merrillville Branch Library January 2016 –April 2017 Teach English as Second Language

Merrillville Branch Library January 3-31 2016 Assist Instructor in the Citizenship Classes

Fehinty African Theatre Ensemble (FATE), Chicago January 31 & Feb 7, 2016 Performed in the show “Diaspora Monologues”.

Salk Elementary School, Merrillville, Indiana Scholastic Book Fairs May 16–20, 2016 and Filed Trip May 27, 2016. Welcome students and parents to the book fair, worked closely with the school librarian in assisting students find their desired books on the shelves. Help younger student (K-2) who already have lists of books from home to locate such books. Helped both students and parents make the right choices so they can have value for their money.

Truelove Crèche and Nursery School, Accra. Ghana. 2005 to 2015. Created and facilitated lunch break storytelling and storybook reading session as well as other extracurricular activates for grades 1-2.

Department of Performing Arts, Indiana University Northwest. Summer 2012. Worked closely with the scenographer and technical director on the implementation and constriction of the set of the production of Christopher Durang’s Baby with the Bathwater. Assisted in purchasing, carpentry work, painting, and interior designing of the set.

10 Professional affiliations United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT, USA) African Studies Association Africa (ASAA, Africa) African Studies Association (ASA, USA) African Literature Association (ALA, USA) Languages English (Fluency, Written and Spoken) Yoruba (Fluency, Written and Spoken) Igbo (Fluency, Spoken) West African Pidgin (Fluency, Written and Spoken)

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