In a vibrant display of “art-as-activism,” the Open Air Theatre of the University of Jos became a focal point for reconciliation on February 20th, 2026. The African Initiative for Peacebuilding, Advocacy and Advancement (AfriPeace) hosted a massive community participatory theatre session, bringing together representatives from some of Plateau State’s most conflict-affected regions to rehearse a future without violence.
Participants from Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Jos South, Bassa, and Mangu—areas long synonymous with farmer-herder tensions and communal strife—exchanged weapons of rhetoric for the tools of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
The event utilized the “Forum Theatre” model, where the line between the stage and the audience is intentionally blurred. Rather than watching a finished play, community members became “spect-actors,” stepping into scenes to interrupt cycles of depicted violence.
Facilitated by Mrs. Rahab Yachat Kwaja, AfriPeace’s Program Officer, and the theatre performance was coordinated and directed by Dakwom Makpring Longgul and Yaki Musa lecturers from the department of theatre and film arts, University of Jos, the session saw residents reenacting real-life triggers:
- Land Disputes: Neighbors role-played the mediation of boundary overlaps.
- Resource Competition: Farmers and herders simulated “Early Warning” communication to prevent crop destruction from escalating into bloodletting.
- Interpersonal Grievances: Youth leaders practiced de-escalation techniques to handle rumors before they sparked riots.
“Peace is not built only in formal meetings,” Kwaja remarked during the session. “It is built when communities understand one another, communicate effectively, and take ownership of resolving their disputes.”
The core objective of the day was to demystify Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). By moving away from the adversarial nature of formal courts or the “eye-for-an-eye” mentality of the streets, the theatre demonstrated that mediation and negotiation are not just legal terms, but survival skills.
This theatrical engagement is part of a broader AfriPeace project titled “Building and Strengthening Community-Level Structures and Mechanisms for Peace, Security and Justice,” supported by SPRiNG.
Since its launch in October 2025, the initiative has moved beyond the stage, establishing local ADR platforms that serve as “human rights defense mechanisms.” These platforms empower traditional rulers, women leaders, and youth to resolve grievances internally, reducing the reliance on overstretched security forces.
As the sun set over the University of Jos, the atmosphere was one of cautious optimism. For the people of Mangu and Barkin Ladi, the “drama” they performed wasn’t just entertainment—it was a dress rehearsal for the peace they hope to live every day.
Pictures the News
cross section of audience in the Theatre
Fulani Actor actor in action
communities of Mangu and Barkin Ladi in action
Unity dance by the actors from difrent communities
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