Oladotun Olagbadebo is a powerhouse in the Nigerian entertainment industry, known for her versatility as an actor, dancer, voiceover artist, producer, writer, and director. From her early days at Lagos State University with a B.A in English to earning a certificate in Acting for Screen at Ebonylife Creative Academy, she has remained steadfast in her passion for storytelling. Over the years, she has graced both stage and screen with performances that have captivated audiences across Nigeria and beyond.
Now, she is set to take on one of her most ambitious projects yet, a one-woman play titled Therapy, which she wrote and is co-producing with Imoh Eboh of Sweet Potato Films. In this conversation with Folasade Abimbola, we dive into her journey, the challenges and triumphs of wearing multiple hats in the industry, and the inspiration behind Therapy.
You’ve had an incredible journey in the entertainment industry, from acting to producing and directing. What initially drew you to the performing arts?
It’s hard to pinpoint one single moment, but I’ve always been drawn to storytelling right from childhood, as cliché as it may sound. I loved creating characters and acting out stories for anyone who would watch. I was happiest with the characters in my own little world. They helped make sense of the world around me. There’s something magical about inhabiting a different persona and connecting with an audience on an emotional level. That feeling, that connection, is what keeps me coming back.
Coming from a more orthodox family, I mean it was an open secret in your university days how you were for the lack of a better word “forbidden” from doing anything acting or Theatre, which you still did, how have you been able to navigate that path with family? Is this now fully accepted?
Ah, yes, the good old university days! It was definitely a cause of conflict. My dad had a very specific idea of what my future should look like, and the stage wasn’t it. He even threatened to write to the VC to withdraw my admission if I didn’t give up my “waywardness”, as he termed it but I kept performing, sometimes discreetly, sometimes more openly, driven by an almost irresistible force. It was a battle of wills; my father was (or should I say is?) very stubborn and I am of course my father’s daughter, but my passion and persistence eventually wore him down. Now? It’s mostly accepted. There’s still some gentle ribbing, but he’s seen my dedication and the fruits of my labor. He’s even starting to be a little proud, I think!
You’ve worked in various aspects of the industry, from stage to screen, and even voice acting. How do you balance all these different creative roles?
Well, it’s quite a juggling act! Each discipline requires a different set of skills and a different approach. However, I do see them as interconnected. My stage experience informs my screen acting, and voice acting has taught me so much about nuance and delivery. You have to be able to adapt and embrace the unique challenges of each medium. Honestly, sometimes it feels like I’m living multiple lives, but I love the variety. It keeps me energized and creatively stimulated.
Your latest project,Therapy, is a one-woman play. What inspired you to create this production, and what message do you hope to convey?
Therapy
is a very personal project. She is my baby and quite dear to me as I drew heavily on my own experiences. It examines the complexities of womanhood in Nigeria and explores themes of societal pressures, familial relationships, mental health, self-discovery, and the power of vulnerability. It’s a story that’s been brewing within me for a long time. I wanted to create a piece that resonates with audiences on a deep level, that sparks conversations, and that hopefully offers a sense of hope and healing. I hope people leave the theatre feeling seen and understood, knowing they aren’t alone in their struggles.
Writing, acting, and co-producing Therapy means you’re handling a lot of responsibilities at once. How is that experience so far?
Exhausting but quite fulfilling! It’s been a challenge wearing so many hats, but it’s also incredibly empowering. I have a very clear vision for this play, and being involved in every aspect of its creation allows me to bring that vision to life. It’s a huge undertaking, but I have a fantastic team supporting me, and that makes all the difference. It’s a labor of love.
One-person plays are incredibly demanding. What has been the most challenging aspect of preparing for
Therapy, both mentally and physically?
The mental and emotional stamina required is immense. Being on stage alone for an extended period, carrying the entire narrative, is vulnerable and extremely demanding. Memorizing lines, crafting the emotional arc, and maintaining my energy throughout the performance is a huge undertaking. It’s an emotional marathon. The biggest challenge has been staying focused and grounded amidst all the pressures.
You’ve performed in major productions like
Fela and the Kalakuta Queens,The King Must Dance Naked, and Itura. How has your experience in ensemble productions prepared you for this solo performance?
Working in ensemble productions has been invaluable. I’ve learned so much about collaboration, stage presence, and the importance of listening and reacting. It taught me discipline, teamwork, and the art of storytelling within a collective. However, a solo performance is a whole nother beast. It requires a different kind of focus, a different kind of energy. It’s just you and the audience, and you have to hold their attention for the entire show. My ensemble experience gave me a strong foundation, but
Therapy
has pushed me to grow and evolve as a performer in entirely new ways.
As an artist who has worked across film, theatre, and voice acting, how do you approach storytelling differently in each medium?
Each medium has its own unique strengths and limitations. With theatre, you have months of rehearsals, the immediacy of the live performance and the connection with the audience. You get to feed off their energy and of course, this also means you get your feedback immediately whether negative or positive. Film on the other hand allows for more nuanced storytelling and visual exploration. Your relationship is with the camera. It is an exacting master and cannot be deceived. Voice acting relies solely on the power of your voice to create a world and characters. I approach each medium by focusing on its specific qualities. With theatre, it’s about presence and energy. With film, it’s about subtlety and emotional depth. With voice acting, it’s about inflection, tone, and creating vivid imagery through sound.
You’ve been part of award-winning productions and projects that have screened at festivals. What has been your most rewarding moment in your career so far?
It’s hard to pick just one! There have been so many rewarding moments. Seeing an audience connect with a character I’ve created, receiving positive feedback on a performance, or simply the feeling of accomplishment after a particularly challenging project – these are all incredibly fulfilling. But I think the most rewarding moments are the ones where I feel like I’ve made a real impact and touched someone’s heart or inspired them in some way.
The entertainment industry comes with its fair share of struggles. What are some challenges you’ve faced as an actor and creative, and how have you overcome them?
The industry can be tough. Rejection, competition, and the constant struggle for funding are just some of the challenges. If I had a Naira for every rejection I’ve had, I would probably be a millionaire. Just kidding. There have been times when I’ve questioned my path- when I’ve felt discouraged. But I’ve learned the importance of resilience, perseverance, and building a strong support system. Having your own tribe makes the journey a lot more tolerable. I’ve also learned to celebrate small victories and to focus on the things I can control. Ultimately, it’s my passion that keeps me going.
Therapy is your passion project, but what other projects or goals do you have lined up for the future?
I have a number of projects in development, both on stage and screen. I’m also interested in exploring more opportunities in directing and producing. Ultimately, my goal is to continue telling stories that matter, stories that connect with people and make a difference.
Tell us something interesting that most people do not know about you?
I’m a huge foodie! I love discovering new food, but my comfort food is garri with milo, milk and groundnuts. Disgusting, I know, but I love it.
Finally, for those who are looking to break into the performing arts, what advice would you give them?
Be persistent, be patient, be disciplined and never stop learning. Talent will get you a foot in the door, but discipline and integrity will take you all the way. Find your tribe, build a strong network of supportive colleagues, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Most importantly, be true to yourself and your artistic vision. The journey is not always easy, but if you’re passionate and dedicated, you can achieve your dreams.
Thank you, Oladotun, for sharing your journey with us. Your passion, resilience, and dedication to storytelling are truly inspiring.
Therapy
promises to be an exciting and deeply personal experience, and we can’t wait to see it come to life. Wishing you all the success as you continue pushing boundaries and bringing incredible stories to the stage and screen!
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