Makinde, SEOK, and Europe’s Finest on the Jury of THEATRE EXPOSED–2026
By Jerry Adesewo
The inclusion of Nigeria’s theatre leadership on a major international cultural platform has once again affirmed the country’s stature in the global creative ecosystem. The 2026 edition of the *International Theatre Photography Competition, THEATRE EXPOSED, has unveiled a richly diverse and highly respected international jury—one that prominently features the President of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), alongside influential European and Asian theatre photography experts.
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At the heart of this development is Makinde Adeniran (Nigeria), President of NANTAP, whose appointment to the jury signals international recognition of Nigerian theatre scholarship, practice, and leadership. A director, writer, broadcaster, and cultural advocate, Adeniran’s presence on the jury reinforces Africa’s intellectual and artistic voice within a competition traditionally dominated by Europe and North America. His inclusion is not merely symbolic; it reflects years of sustained professional credibility and Nigeria’s growing contribution to global theatre discourse.
Equally significant is the presence of Seok-hong Kim (South Korea), Director of Korea Arts Management Service (KAMS) and a Board Member of ASSITEJ Korea, who brings strong institutional and policy perspectives on theatre development, arts management, and international cultural exchange. Kim’s role underscores the competition’s alignment with global best practices in theatre governance and cross-border collaboration.
The European contingent on the jury further elevates the competition’s prestige. From Yuri Mechitov (Georgia)—renowned photographer, documentarian, and Head of the Expert Council—to Jelena Vilt (Estonia), a respected theatre photographer, and Sergey Zhdanovich (Belarus), a member of the Union of Photographers of Belarus, the jury reflects a deep reservoir of visual and theatrical intelligence. Others, including Borut Bučinel (Slovenia), Jovan Vidaković (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and Vahid Amoupour (Iran/France), represent a generation of practitioners whose works have shaped contemporary theatre photography across Europe.
Together, this jury composition reveals THEATRE EXPOSED–2026 as more than a photo contest—it is a global meeting point of aesthetics, documentation, and cultural memory. The deliberate balance between Africa, Europe, and Asia speaks to a shifting global narrative where creative authority is increasingly shared and inclusive.
For NANTAP and the Nigerian theatre community, this moment carries strategic importance. It positions Nigerian theatre practitioners not only as participants but as arbiters of global artistic standards. It also opens pathways for deeper international collaborations, increased visibility for African theatre photography, and stronger cultural diplomacy.
As the competition unfolds toward its August 19, 2026, finale on World Photography Day, the presence of the NANTAP President, SEOK, and Europe’s leading theatre photographers on the jury stands as a powerful statement: theatre, in all its visual and performative expressions, thrives best when the world is truly represented behind the lens.
Makinde, SEOK, and Europe’s Finest on the Jury of THEATRE EXPOSED–2026