THE DRAMATIC DIMENSION OF THE COMMUNAL, ART FORMS OF THE WESTERN IBOS: A CASE STUDY OF THE FESTIVALS OF THE IGBUZO OF BENDEL STATE
THE DRAMATIC DIMENSION OF THE COMMUNAL, ART FORMS OF THE WESTERN IBOS: A CASE STUDY OF THE FESTIVALS OF THE IGBUZO OF BENDEL STATE
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Date
1990-09
Authors
ADIGWE, ANIKWE PETER
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Abstract
This thesis examines the dramatic nature of the
performing arts of the Igbuzos. This is an area in
which no extensive work has been previously carried out,
although many exciting theatrical arts existed in
Igbuzo. This thesis, therefore, highlights the dramatic
traditions of the Igbuzos, and demonstrates their
dramatic validity.
To say that the field of oral drama in Nigeria is
a difficult one is an understatement. It is polemic,
and the conflicting views on the subject make it a
problematic field of study. The views of some critics,
who have European orientation, are that African oral
arts are not drama though they might possess some
dramatic qualities.
However, this thesis examines the dramatic arts of
the Igbuzos from the relativist viewpoint that argues
that African oral performing traditions are drama
because they meet the demands of the theatre. This
relativist argument is pursued in this thesis which
spans five chapters.
In Chapters One and two the socio-political structure of
the Igbuzos is examined in order to establish the
relationship between art and culture. The establishment
of this relationship exposes the function of art in society. It is this function that lends strength to
the argument that Igbuzo festivals are drama.
Chapter Three discusses the dramatic dimensions of
Iwu, Ine and Ulo. Chapter four looks at the dramatic
extent of Ogbanje Festival, which is a hypnotic dance
drama. The four festivals of the Igbuzos recreate the
people's world view thus providing education and
enlightenment.
Chapter Five examines the changes that have
occurred in the performance of Igbuzo, festivals. It is
argued in this chapter that European colonial domination
which affected the entire polity of Igbuzo is
reflected in the performance of festivals because of
the tie that binds art and culture together.
Chapter Six concludes this work by summarising
the essential findings in this work. In this chapter,
it is argued that Igbuzo festivals have many dramatic
elements. Because of these dramatic qualities, and
because they can satisfy the functions of the theatre,
it is argued that they are essentially dramatic.
Description
A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL,
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT
OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR AWARDING THE DEGREE OF
MASTER OF ARTS (M.A.) IN LITERATURE.
Department of English
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Ahmadu Bello University
Zaria.
Keywords
DRAMATIC DIMENSION,, COMMUNAL,, ART FORMS, WESTERN IBOS, FESTIVALS,, IGBUZO,, BENDEL STATE