Showcasing Nigerian Culture on the Global Stage: “The Gods Are Not to Blame” at USC.
Ola Rotimi’s timeless masterpiece, The Gods Are Not to Blame, was presented to critical acclaim at the Sanctuary Theatre, School of Dramatic Arts, University of Southern California from April 16 – 19,
2026.
Directed by Nigerian-born actor, filmmaker, theatre director, and educator Bayo Akinfemi, a professor at the USC School of Dramatic Arts, the production was a collaboration between the school and the African Theatre Artistes Society (ATARS).
Yoruba culture was vividly brought to life through the integration of language, music, dance, and performance traditions.
Audience experienced a powerful transplantation of SOPHOCLES’ OEDIPUS REX, reimagined through a distinctly African lens that resonated deeply with a diverse international audience.
All performances underscoring the strong demand for culturally authentic African storytelling on the hglobal stage.
ATARS is a Los Angeles–based nonprofit theatre organization dedicated to presenting African and global Black stories through stage plays, cultural exchange, and arts education founded by Bayo Akinfemi in 2019, continues to serve as a cultural ambassador, committed to
exporting Nigerian arts and culture to global audiences while promoting a positive and authentic image of Nigeria abroad.
ATARS had through previous productions such as Wedlock of the Gods by Zulu Sofola and Rhythms of Triumph, has established itself as a growing cultural force, creating work that bridge continents and connects African traditions with global audiences.
Speaking in an interview with Yoruba Cultural Ambassador Ojise Isedale (Olubunmi Olukanni), Akinfemi noted that the selection of The Gods Are Not to Blame aligned with USC’s academic
engagement with diverse cultures while providing an opportunity to fully showcase Yoruba music, dance, and performance traditions.
Akinfemi, who has taught at USC for over a decade and previously at institutions in Canada including the Toronto Film School, is also known to global audience for his role as “Goodwin” on the CBS television series Bob Hearts Abishola.
When asked by Ojise Isedale (Olukanni) about advice for the next generation, Akinfemi emphasized the importance of training, discipline, and perseverance, noting that talent must be supported by dedication and resilience.
Ojise Isedale who attended the April 18 performance, described the production as a culturally rich and impactful experience.
The production featured a dynamic ensemble of professional actors, dancers, musicians, and USC students working collaboratively.
(Cast included:
King Odewale – Tony Tambi (Guest Actor)
Ogun Priest – Jomi Williams (Guest Actor)
Narrator/First Chief – Newton Okewoye (Guest Actor)
Second Chief – Dara Adedara (Guest Actor)
Second Woman/Assistant Choreographer – Esther Oluokun (Guest Actor)
First Citizen/Bodyguard – Amaka Iruobe (Guest Actor)
Baba Fakunle/ Labata – Ezekiel Akindele (Guest Actor)
Akilapa/Royal Bard – Edaoto Agbeniyi (Guest Actor)
King Adetusa/Old Man – Kola Akingbade (Guest Actor)
Music Director – Kayode Ajayi (Guest Artiste)
Lead Percussionist – Samson Olawale (Guest Artiste)
Queen Ojuola – Biliena Zekarias (Senior – BA Theatre)
Aderopo – Tise Oduwole (Freshman – Musical Theatre Minor)
Alaka – Adeloluwa Ijidakinro )
ATARS have continue scaling its efforts in presenting Nigerian stories internationally, fostering cultural exchange,
and positioning Nigeria as a leading force in the global creative economy.
