Mabel Evwierhoma

Mabel Itohanosa Erioyunvwen Evwierhoma (born 7 May 1965) is a Nigerian Professor of Theatre Arts at the University of Abuja. She specializes in dramatic theory, criticism, gender studies and cultural studies. She was former Dean of the Faculty of Arts, University of Abuja (2014 to 2016), former director, Centre for Gender Security Studies and Youth Advancement, University of Abuja (2021 to 2023) and Member Governing Council, University of Abuja (2009 to 2013).

Early life and education Mabel Evwierhoma was born to Peter Omoviroro Tobrise and Theodora Tobrise, née Aiwerioghene on 7 May 1965 in Benin City, Oredo LGA of Edo State. She hails from Ukpiovwin village in Udu LGA of Delta State. She attended Abadina Primary School from 1970 to 1975, and the Federal Government Girls College, Bauchi from 1976 to 1981. She gained her Higher School Certificate in 1983 from Federal School of Arts and Science, Suleja. She proceeded to the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, gaining a BA degree in Theatre Arts in 1986 and an MA in 1988. She earned her PhD in Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1996. In 2020, another Festschrift was also published, entitled A Graceful Woman of Great Discerning: A Festschrift in Honour of Professor Mabel Evwierhoma @50, and edited by Gboyega Kolawole and Sule Egya, In 2019, she was one of three candidates shortlisted for the position of vice chancellor of the University of Abuja.

In June 2020, Evwierhoma delivered a lecture entitled "Rape as Anti-culture in Contemporary Nigeria", calling for cultural resistance and constitutional provisions against rape.

In 2023, she wrote the play The Cut Across. It showcases her experience in dramatic theory, criticism, gender, and cultural studies, and reflected her sensitivity towards gender issues. In this play, the protagonist, Emu, a survivor of female genital mutilation, is determined to challenge the harmful traditional practice in her community after being exposed to Western culture. Supported by her childhood friends, she embarks on a social crusade against a deep-rooted tradition that has existed for generations. The Cut Across portrays the struggles of Urhobo women in Delta State and other regions as they strive to replace harmful customs with more empowering alternatives that allow girls and women to live freely and without harm.

Membership and fellowship Evwierhoma is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR); Nigerian Bar Association (NBA); Member, Nigerian Oral Literature Association; Nigeria Academy of Letters; African Theatre Association; American Studies Association of Nigeria (ASAN) 2004; African Literature Association, USA (2004 to 2010); Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) (2016 to 2017); Women in Nigeria (WIN) (1993 to 1996); Society of Nigerian Theatre Artists (SONTA); and, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). Fellow, Centre for African American Research Studies (FCAARS) 2015; and, Fellow, Society of Nigerian Theatre Artists (FSONTA), 2014. She got an Honorary Fellowship from the Association of Dance Scholars of Nigeria (ADSPON) in June, 2024. Evwierhoma, M. (2001).Out of hiding: poems. Ibadan: Sam Bookman Publishers, 2001. Evwierhoma, M. (2007). “Nigeria, a flourishing culture in diversity”, being a paper presented at the World Culture Day celebrations for the National Institute for Cultural Orientation, (NICO) Abuja. Evwierhoma, M. (2002). "Female empowerment and dramatic creativity in Nigeria". Ibadan, Nigeria: Caltop Publications. Evwierhoma, M. (2022). "Hagher and Women': A Gendered Excursion into Aishatu and Antipeople", Humanities Review Journal, Vol. 2, No. 1. Evwierhoma, M. (2001). "The Wounded Woman: A Feminist Analysis of Olu Obafemi's Collected Plays"