Arts can serve as a therapeutic tool – Kofoworola

Kofoworola Owokotomo is a Nigerian Applied Theatre Artist and Drama Therapy Scholar, who received the inaugural Cuppy Africa Steinhardt Scholar Award at New York University in 2024. Remarkably, she became the first recipient to win the award for two consecutive years, achieving this milestone in 2025.

In this interview with Josephine Okojie-Okeiyi , she speaks about what the recognition means, her passion for theatre as a tool for social change, and therapy.

How do you feel to be named the Cuppy Africa Steinhardt Scholar for a second year in a row?

Honestly, I was shocked, in a good way, though. Being the first recipient last year was already such a huge honour, but winning it again feels like a reminder that the work I’m doing truly matters.

It’s also an encouragement to keep going. For me, this is bigger than an award. It’s about keeping the door open for more Africans who want to explore creative approaches to healing and social impact.

What does this award represent for you personally?

It represents validation of the path I’ve chosen. Drama therapy is not a very common field, especially among Nigerians.

To have my work in this space recognised twice tells me that arts have a rightful place in conversations about health, resilience, and community transformation.

Read also: Faculty of Arts, University of Benin celebrates 50 years of academic excellence

How does it feel to be a trailblazer in drama therapy, being only the second Nigerian to pursue credentialing as a Licensed Drama Therapist in the US?

It feels both exciting and humbling. On one hand, I feel a great sense of pride to be among the very few Nigerians in this field, especially as drama therapy is still emerging globally.

On the other hand, it comes with the responsibility to represent my community well, to pave the way for others, and show that Africans can and should have a place in shaping how creative arts therapies grow worldwide.

I hope my journey helps make this path more visible for future Nigerians who want to combine mental health with the arts.

You’ve often spoken about Arts as a tool for social change. Can you share some examples of your work?

In Nigeria, I directed community theatre projects that addressed societal issues such as gender-based violence and lack of quality education.

Here in the U.S., I’ve worked on performances that talk about gun violence, immigration, and race. The goal has always been the same: to use theatre as a mirror, a voice, and sometimes, a form of healing.

You’ve also had opportunities on the global stage. What stands out for you?

Representing Nigeria at the World Bank Youth Summit in Washington, D.C. was a highlight. I was presenting my research on drama therapy and dementia care at an international medical humanities conference in Qatar. These platforms reminded me that our local stories have global relevance.

What do you envision for the future of your work in Nigeria?

I hope to continue building bridges between Nigeria and the global community in the areas of mental health, creative arts, and social change.

I want my work to inspire conversations about how the arts can serve as a therapeutic tool, not just in Nigeria but worldwide. Whether through collaborations, research, training programs, or advocacy, I aim to spotlight Nigerian voices on international platforms and create opportunities for others to engage with creative arts therapies.

For me, it’s about expanding access and recognition so that more communities, including those in Nigeria, can benefit from the healing potential of the arts.