Sublimating Recounted History and Tradition in Selected Nigerian Dramas

Abstract

The study examines the documentary power of dramatic literature in recounting advancing human development, with a focus on selected Nigerian dramas. Through a descriptive research design and content analysis of selected play texts: Wole Soyinka's Death and the King's Horseman, Yerima's Attahiru, and Salami-Agunloye's Idia, The Warrior Queen of Benin, it assesses how drama presents history and tradition. Employing Stephen Greenblatt's New Historicism as a theoretical framework, the research reveals that historical drama serves as an alternative source of history, offering valuable insights into the past and its relevance to societal growth. The study highlights exemplary characters from Nigerian plays, such as lyaloja and Olunde from Death and the King's Horseman, Yakubu and Abbas from Attahiru, and Idia and Esigie from Idia, The Warrior Queen of Benin, who embody cultural heritage and resilience. Conversely, it critiques characters like Elesin, Ahmed, and Ihama in the selected texts, who exhibit lecherous tendencies and disregard for the history and traditions of the people. The paper recommends promoting authentic historical narratives through drama and avoiding negative role models, underscoring the significance of historical drama in shaping societal values and understanding human experiences. Ultimately, this research demonstrates the importance of integrating dramatic texts into the study of history and cultural heritage in Nigerian theatre practice.