African oral tradition. In particular he develops material from the oral tradition of the Ika people (of the northwest region of Delta State in Nigeria). This he works into modern dramatic forms. When in Leeds in 1993/4 he was researching English popular theatre, which led him to discovering the work of Horse and Bamboo Theatre in Lancashire. Their work was actually very far from being traditional theatre, as it used contemporary visual theatre forms, but Ukala was inspired by what he saw as its folk-based inspiration. In 1995 Bob Frith, Horse and Bamboo's founder and director, suggested a collaboration; Sam agreed and this began in November 1998. Awards and honors Nigeria Prizes for Science and Literature (Literature) for Iredi War. The largest African literary prize. 2000 Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Pillar of Arts Award for Prose for Skeletons: A Collection of Short Stories. 1989 ANA/British Council Prize for Drama for Akpakaland. See also List of Nigerian film producers References African Theatre: Playwrights and Politics. Editor: Martin Banham, James Gibbs, Femi Osofisan. The second volume in the annual African Theatre series that focuses on playwrights and politics in Africa. Iredi War Publishers notes pub. kraftgriots External links Sam Ukala, official website https://guardian.ng/art/sam-ukala-the-folklorist-as-dramatist-70/ 1948 births 2021 deaths Nigerian dramatists and playwrights Nigerian theatre directors Nigerian film producers Nigeria Prize for Literature winners Nigerian male poets Nigerian film directors Nigerian academics Nigerian male writers 20th-century Nigerian male actors 21st-century Nigerian male actors Male actors from Delta State