Dr Pamela Udoka has completed her Vice-Presidential tenure at the International Association of Theatres for Children and Young Audiences (ASSITEJ).
Udoka was the first Nigerian to be elected into the association’s international Executive Committee (EC) since it was established in 1965.
Elected Vice President ASSITEJ International in 2017 for a three-year term, she was reelected in 2021, following a disruptive year in 2020 owing to COVID 19 pandemic.
In her time at the EC, she has been credited for the activation of the local branch of the association in Nigeria, the expansion of opportunities for ASSITEJ African branches, and her impressive presence and contributions at ASSITEJ International.
Members of the ASSITEJ International EC, ASSITEJ African branches in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria’s theatre experts convened to host a virtual send-forth party for Udoka.
Overflowing with compliments for the dance choreographer and clinical psychologist fondly called Mama Africa, participants rendered eulogies drawn from their relationship with her.
“As a member of the EC Pamela is a tireless worker, with enormous spirit and energy. She lights up a room and makes things happen. We pay tribute to her as leader of ASSITEJ Nigeria for her work locally, nationally and globally. I wish her all the best for the work ahead. She will always be a staunch friend of ASSITEJ International and for the whole community, and will always be a champion for African members and African workers in children’s theatre performance,” said ASSITEJ International President, Sue Giles.
Former EC member and ASSITEJ Russia, Tatiana Bobrova who worked with Udoka for several years said her passion for children’s theatre inspires her. “She is my sister. She has a good heart. I wish her goodluck in her future endeavours.”
Complimenting Udoka for the style and swag she brought to ASSITEJ, Bebe de Soares commended her ability to weather challenges whilst assuring her of the association’s continuous support in the future.
Unsurprised by Udoka’s impact on the association, founder and artistic director, Jos Repertory Theatre (JRT), Dr Patrick Jude Oteh who was schoolmates with her at the University of Ibadan from 1984 to 1987, described her as a festive spirit, and an artiste will occupy a huge space in his autobiography. He, however noted that the theatre graduate turned sex therapist exit from the ASSITEJ leadership isn’t the end of life, rather an opener to focus on ‘more complicated aspects of theatre’. “She is a huge research resource for ASSITEJ International and ASSITEJ Nigeria.”
Highlighting Udoka’s impact on ASSITEJ Nigeria, Ex-executive of the global International Theatre Institute (ITI), Professor Emmanuel Dandaura said, “Udoka was a good ambassador for Nigeria. I know the sacrifices she made to expand ASSITEJ in Nigeria and she brought in a lot of young people. I am sure when people like her and Jerry Adesewo step aside, there are those, whom they have mentored to assume their roles. That she is leaving the position does not mean she is leaving the space rather will continue to be a mentor to others. She has dedicated 50 years of her life to theatre. I celebrate her and thank ASSITEJ for putting this together.”
Overwhelmed by the commendations and compliments, Udoka commended all members of ASSITEJ executive committee, her husband Dr Arnold Udoka whom has been her constant support in accomplishing all she did, her children among others individuals who have had played a huge part in her term with ASSITEJ.
“I am so grateful, I am happy there are more of you all in ASSITEJ, and I am happy to let others take over.”
