Dr. Bernard Eze Orji | Arts and Humanities | Best Research Article Award
Senior Lecturer/Researcher at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Dr. Bernard Eze Orji is a distinguished academic and researcher in Theatre Arts, currently serving as a lecturer at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Nigeria. With a keen interest in African performance traditions, cultural studies, and theatre history, he has made significant contributions to the study of indigenous art forms and their evolution. His research focuses on the intersection of tradition and modernity, particularly examining how cultural expressions like masquerade performances have transformed over time. Through his scholarly work, Dr. Orji provides deep insights into African oral traditions, performance aesthetics, and their role in contemporary society. He is an active member of several professional organizations and continues to contribute to the advancement of Theatre Arts through teaching, research, and publications.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Orji holds a PhD in Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, obtained in 2021. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lagos State University, which he completed in 2008. He further pursued a Master of Arts in Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan, graduating in 2012. His education provided a strong foundation in performance studies, dramaturgy, and cultural analysis. His postgraduate research focused on African theatre, exploring the evolution of traditional performance into contemporary entertainment forms. His doctoral studies deepened his expertise in performance historiography and indigenous African arts, positioning him as an authority in his field. His rigorous academic training and research engagements have shaped his contributions to the study of theatre and cultural performance in Nigeria and beyond.
Professional Experience
Dr. Orji has amassed a wealth of professional experience in academia and media. His career began as an Exam Support Services Officer at JAMB Headquarters, Abuja, during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 2009. He then transitioned into journalism, working as a Reporter and Sub-Editor at Leadership Newspapers from 2012 to 2013. In 2013, he joined Alex Ekwueme Federal University as an Assistant Lecturer, where he has since advanced his academic career. Over the years, he has been involved in curriculum development, student mentorship, and research supervision. His professional engagements extend beyond academia, as he is a member of various scholarly organizations that promote African theatre and performance studies. His commitment to education and research has made him a respected figure in his field, fostering intellectual growth among students and colleagues alike.
Research Interest
Dr. Orji’s research interests span African performance traditions, cultural identity, and the transformation of indigenous art forms. He explores themes such as masquerade performances, folklore, and the role of satire in contemporary African theatre. His work critically examines the evolution of traditional entertainment into modern expressions, including stand-up comedy and digital theatre. He is particularly interested in the interplay between performance and societal change, investigating how cultural expressions adapt to contemporary realities while retaining their historical significance. His research also delves into gender dynamics in African theatre, analyzing how traditional narratives shape modern perceptions of identity and representation. Through his scholarly contributions, Dr. Orji aims to preserve and promote African artistic heritage while fostering new interpretations and innovations in performance studies.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Orji’s academic excellence and contributions to research have earned him recognition within the scholarly community. He has received commendations for his work in theatre studies and cultural research, solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in African performance studies. His research on the adaptation of masquerade traditions into contemporary performance has been acknowledged for its originality and depth. He is an active member of esteemed professional organizations, including the Society of Nigeria Theatre Artists (SONTA), the African Theatre Association (AfTA), and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. His dedication to advancing African theatre has made him a respected academic, and his continued efforts in research and publication are expected to bring further accolades in the future.
Conclusion
Dr. Bernard Eze Orji’s scholarly work exhibits significant strengths in originality, relevance, and analytical depth, particularly concerning African performance arts and cultural transformations. While there are opportunities for further enhancement through comparative analysis, methodological transparency, and interdisciplinary collaboration, his existing contributions position him as a strong candidate for the Best Research Article Award.
Publications Top Noted
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Humour, satire and the emergent stand-up comedy
- Year: 2018
- Cited by: 8
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“Amari-Akaghi”—The Knowledge of the Unknown: Women and Masquerade in Achebe’s Things Fall Apart
- Year: 2022
- Cited by: 3
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Aestheticism in visual symbols: catalysts for theatre patronage in contemporary play production
- Year: 2019
- Cited by: 3
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Carnivalization of Indigenous Performance Forms and the Demystification of Ritual Essence in Costume and Mask Designs of Masquerade Art
- Year: 2019
- Cited by: 2
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Interculturality and Hybridity in Ọkụmkpọ́ Masquerade Performance of Akpoha-Afikpo
- Year: 2012 (MA Dissertation)
- Cited by: 2
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Theatre as Social Criticism: The Re-examination of Osofisan’s No More the Wasted Breed
- Year: Not listed
- Cited by: 2
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African Theatre 18
- Year: 2019
- Cited by: 1
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The Masquerade in Abuja and Calabar Carnivals
- Year: 2019
- Cited by: 1
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Carnival and Afikpo Njenje-Masquerade: Examining an Indigenous Tradition in a Postmodernist Parade Performance
- Year: 2023
- Cited by: Not listed
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“Incarnations of the Spirits:” Carnivalesque Elements of Igbo Children’s Ekpo Masking Performance
- Year: 2023
- Cited by: Not listed
- Ọkụmkpọ́ Masquerade as Theatre Performance in Akpoha-Afikpo Cross River Igbo Area of Southeastern Nigeria
- Year: 2025
- Cited by: Not listed
