The journey started with a single, tentative step, like that of a child learning how to walk. But see how far we have come and where we are now, because today, UCTAAA is a full-blown and thriving Association we can all proudly and gladly call Family!
Of a truth, who would have thought that from such humble beginnings and the idea of an umbrella body, would blossom and grow such an enviable, purpose-driven Association with over 200 very active Members, and the potential for thousands more across the world?
On a personal note, however, UCTAAA provides that wonderful opportunity and unique platform to gather together long after graduation, reminisce and share experiences, compare notes, learn from one another and synergize as only Thespians can, with a view to helping one another to strengthen the unique bond that binds us together – which instructively, is what makes UCTAAA so very special.
It is equally instructive to note that in this New World Order characterized by rapid strides and changes within international and intercultural relationships, there is the compelling need to maintain connections and contacts. And it is our vision for UCTAAA to leverage on extant relationships, build strong global networks, foster bonding and partnerships, promote connections and exchanges, provide support for members as well as career guidance for those aspiring to
pursue a life in Theatre and related studies in the Performing Arts
Indeed, and at the risk of sounding immodest, I make bold to say that in so short a time, and even in spite of the many challenges assailing the world today, UCTAAA has done well, for as the famed literary icon Chinua Achebe tells us in Things Fall Apart, that when the Agama lizard jumps down from the tall iroko tree, it nods its own head to acknowledge its achievement!
It is the same with UCTAAA! We have done well for ourselves and our members in terms of welfare and support, not to mention our many Corporate Social Responsibility [CSR] Outreaches to society, both at the Global and Chapter levels. Indeed, the encomiums and appreciations we continue to receive arising from our activities, gifts and contributions to society are not only heartwarming, but very encouraging. And we could only be braced to do more.
Of course, there’s a whole lot more to do! And that is why we hope and pray that all ex-CUTASANs (Calabar University Theatre Arts Students Association), who are yet to be part of this Vision, would come on board to support and contribute their own quota because they are the deserving heirs to this legacy of our inspiring achievements.
Yes, it all began in Calabar, where fate and passion for Theatre brought us together and the awesome love that binds us is helping us affect the world for good.
With the love that binds us, yours
Rita Ndidi Amuchienwa, Ph.D
Global President
Everything on earth has a source, a beginning …and ours is no different! It all began in that serene city, the scenic capital of Cross River State, Nigeria, where we were once undergraduate students of Theatre Arts & Media Studies at the prestigious University of Calabar [Unical].
However, several years after graduation, and even though many of us have branched out or moved on to other fields of endeavor, and living in virtually every continent on planet earth, we still thought it wise and expedient to come together under an umbrella association called UCTAAA, with a view to harnessing, strengthening and furthering extant relationships for the good of all!
