Reassessing the Definition and Practice of Popular Theatre in Nigeria
Date
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
In every society that is fraught with antagonistic class relations, which most societies are,there exist two main ideologically defined ancl oppositional grouping: the class of the oppressed and that of the oppressor. Consequently, class struggle or the struggle for emancipation of the oppressed becomes inevitable, and this struggle is normally waged at different levels of society, including the level of theatrical aesthetics. Popular drama has often been realized as a medium for conscientization and mobilization of the popular masses. This perception intersects with the role of art in general and drama in particular as part of the “superstructure ” of society, with tremendous effect on the socio-political ubase ” of the society. In this article we re-examine the dimensions of popular drama in Nigeria and how it has and has been perceived. We also compare the situation with some other established popular theatres of other nations in other to locate the relational status and character of the Nigerian variant of the theatre.