Vow of the Crocodile

This performance is presented as part of the VCA Master of Theatre (Writing) Festival 2026.

Written by Jan Dayop, Directed by Jesse Donaldson

Vow of the Crocodile is a tale that weaves together myths, romance, and political satire, traversing the boundaries of Australia and Nigeria asking questions such as: What happens when a Nigerian man named Lapan is faced with the dilemma of staying faithful to Ella, his Australian wife, and fulfilling his sacred vow made to the spirit of the Crocodile? What are the interesting episodes in intercultural marriages? What happens when love encounters obstacles:
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore—
And then run?
Does it stink like a snake?
Or lies still like a Crocodile beneath waters?

Credits

Writer: Jan Dayop
Director: Jesse Donaldson
Dramaturg: Ella Mitcsch

Duration

This performance will run 90-120 minutes. Any latecomers will be admitted at the discretion of Front of House.

Content Information

This performance does not contain any content warnings.

Venue Information

This event takes place in Studio 4, located in the Dodds Street Performing Arts Building. Please meet Front of House in the foyer on the ground floor. Studio 4 is then accessible via the stairs or lift.

Image: Last Judgement by Pieter Huys 1553/54

Read more about the Master of Theatre (Writing) graduates presenting this season.

Jan Dayop is a published author, playwright, poet, researcher, and theatre enthusiast. His writings are a blend of African poetic storytelling tradition with contemporary Western styles. He hails from Nigeria and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Film Arts from the University of Jos, Nigeria, where he graduated with a second-class upper division. As an author, his book entitled Kwallu: Duels With Political Lizards was published in December 2025 in Nigeria. As a poet, his collection of poems titled Murder the Pen was published in October 2025 by the Australasian Journal of Writing Programs. Jan has research papers published in both local and international journals. In 2017, Jan was awarded “Best Young Theatre Critic” in Nigeria by the International Association of Theatre Critics. He took first position in the spoken word competition competed by twenty-two (42) Nigerian universities in 2017. He runs a book club named “The Shakespearean Slate”, where he demystifies Shakespearean literature to young readers in Nigeria. He is currently a student of the Master of Theatre (Writing) at The Victorian College of the Arts, The University of Melbourne, Australia.

I pour libation of eternal gratitude on the Ground (The VCA) that shaped my creative practice. I take off my cap as a mark of absolute respect and gratitude to my mentor and teacher, Raimondo Cortese, to Chris Mead the dramaturgical machine, and to Emily Sheehan with a sharp creative sword, I say thank you. Sacred gratitude to Ella Mitsch, my fantastic, brilliant, and amazing dramaturg. And my ever-loving, creative, and foresighted director, Jesse Donaldson. To all the creative crew, actors, and the marketing team, thank you a million times. To the whole Master of Theatre 2026 Cohort, blessed shall you all be.

• Please arrive at the venue at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time to secure your seat. Due to high demand, if you have not arrived by the start of the event, your ticket may be released to any waiting patrons at the door.

• Please stay home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms. Face masks are welcome in all settings for community and personal safety.  

• Admission to any of our concerts and events is strictly at the discretion of Front of House. We have zero tolerance for any disrespectful behaviour. 

TICKET PRICE

Free. Registrations required on Humanitix.

Please note that there is often a drop-off in attendance at our free events on the day of the performance. If this event is booked out and you have not secured a ticket, we encourage you to arrive at the venue 15 minutes before the advertised start time and speak to our Front of House team. Once audience members with tickets have been seated, any remaining seats will be made available to patrons waiting at the door. Please be advised that entry without securing a ticket in advance cannot be guaranteed.

If you have booked for a performance and are no longer able to attend, please cancel your booking via your Humanitix account or email us at fineartsmusic-tickets@unimelb.edu.au.

PARKING 

The City of Melbourne has changed the parking restrictions around the Southbank Campus. Parking control hours are now expanded to 7am–10pm, seven days per week, and are capped at three hours. A $2-per-hour fee after 7pm is also now in place. There is no change to the $4-per-hour peak rate between 7am–7pm. Parking inspectors are regularly in the area fining drivers who overstay their meter, so we encourage everyone to be aware and avoid an expensive fine.  

ACCESSIBILITY 

We are committed to making our events accessible and will accommodate requirements wherever possible. All venues at the Southbank campus are wheelchair accessible. Please contact us at fineartsmusic-tickets@unimelb.edu.au if you have any questions. 

Read more about accessibility at our venues.