Department of Drama

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Browsing Department of Drama by Author "Bakare, Babatunde Allen"

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    A critical inquiry into the evolution of socio-political performances in traditional Nigeria Yoruba Alarinjo and contemporary itinerant theatre through a review of selected works of Hubert Ogunde, Wole Soyinka, Ola Rotimi and Femi Osofisan
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-12) Bakare, Babatunde Allen; Du Preez, Petrus; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Drama.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study examines the evolution of socio-political theatre and drama performances in Nigeria. The first part consists of the introduction, theory and historical contexts, while the second part discusses the contribution of selected literary dramatists to this evolution of social-political theatre and drama performance in Nigeria. The study specifically focuses on Yoruba Traditional Alarinjo (Travelling) Theatre, contemporary itinerant theatre and selected works of Hubert Ogunde, Wole Soyinka, Ola Rotimi and Femi Osofisan. The theoretical framework of the study is based on three concepts: the Theatrical Event expounded by Wilmar Sauter; Theatre and Festivals as Poly-Systems by Temple Hauptfleisch; and Vicki Ann Cremona’s concept of Festivalising Process. Relevant historical developments are reviewed and analysed in the study. The developments are points of reference to various forms of Yoruba theatre and drama. In addition, the study examines social-political evolutions, especially those that relate to and are useful for the analysis of the inherent evolution of theatre and drama in the Yoruba tradition Alarinjo, the contemporary theatre and the selected works of Nigerian literary dramatists. It further examines Yoruba Traditional Alarinjo (Travelling) Theatrical and dramatic performances and investigates the critical roles of the egungun (masquerades), masques, oral literature and other Yoruba cultural and traditional properties in the performances. This study concludes that the types of performance modes, styles, methods and techniques which were used during the different stages of the evolution of socio-political theatre and drama in Nigeria, are rooted in the vast Yoruba cultural and traditional forms of performing arts. These include forms such as masquerading, oral poetry, folklore or folktale, music, dance, chants, incantation and acrobatic display among others. The study recognises the contribution of the Western culture of entertainment which partly influenced the evolution of socio-political theatre and drama performances of the Yoruba contemporary itinerant theatre. Lastly, this study analyses and reveals the influence of Western education on the mentioned Nigerian Literary Dramatists’ theatre and drama.