Ijiir i been angev: A Place of Healing through Theatre and Play in Benue State

May 7, 2025
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Ijiir i been angev: A Place of Healing through Theatre and Play in Benue State

In the heart of the Mega IDP Camp in Benue State, 78 displaced women, adolescents, and children are beginning to rediscover hope. Survivors of the farmers-herders conflict, they carry stories of fear, loss, and prolonged uncertainty. But since April 2025, something has begun to change.

Through applied drama, storytelling, and improvisation, they are finding strength, connection, and joy.

Welcome to Ijiir i been angev—a TIV phrase that means “A Place of Healing.”

This initiative is Access to Play’s ongoing arts-based psychosocial support program, tailored specifically for internally displaced people in Benue State. Each session creates a safe and creative space where participants can express emotions, build resilience, and reconnect with a sense of self and community.

Why Applied Theatre? Why Now?

Traditional support systems often fall short in reaching displaced communities in meaningful ways. Applied Theatre and creative play offer something different;accessible, participatory tools that make emotional healing personal, powerful, and shared.

Through interactive sessions rooted in Applied Drama, Improvisation, and Playback Theatre, participants are empowered to:

Safely share their personal stories
Build emotional resilience and social bonds
Develop creative communication and problem-solving skills
Reclaim identity and strengthen a sense of belonging

And the Impact Is Real

“Since I started coming to do this drama, I have been very happy. I just laugh every time and I’ve stopped worrying. That’s why I came back.”
— Woman, 50

“Before now, I couldn’t face a crowd. I was very shy and kept to myself. Now, I can speak openly and address people without fear.”
— Male Youth, 18

“The drama made me forget my problems. I felt free.”
— Boy, 13

A Community Comes Alive

Since April 2025, we’ve delivered several dynamic sessions tailored to each group’s needs:

Children (12–15): Building confidence and emotional awareness through creative games and storytelling.
Adolescents (15–18): Using collaborative improv to foster leadership, self-expression, and career-building skills in the creative arts.
Older Women (57–77): Rediscovering joy, voice, and community through Playback Theatre that honors their lived experiences.

What started as a 3-day pilot has grown into a regular series with at least four sessions every month. Each session builds upon the last, deepening trust, connection, and collective healing.

“For the first time in a long while, I laughed. I felt like myself again.” — Woman, 67

“I didn’t know I could tell stories like this. I want to keep doing it.” — Youth, 16

“This program has taught me how to think on my feet and act without a script.” — Girl, 14

Looking Ahead

We are committed to continuing and expanding Ijiir i been angev by:

Hosting regular applied theatre workshops with the same 78 participants through 2025
Training participants in peer-led storytelling and performance
Organizing community events to showcase stories of strength and resilience
Partnering with humanitarian organizations and local ministries to ensure long-term sustainability

Our vision is to see Ijiir i been angev become a model for community-led psychosocial healing—not just in Benue State, but across Nigeria and beyond.

Join Us in Making Healing Possible

Ijiir i been angev is more than a project—it’s a growing movement of recovery, resilience, and hope. With your support, we can sustain and expand this critical work.