THE PLACE OF LITERARY ARTS/DRAMA/THEATRE IN ELECTIONEERING CAMPAIGN
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2003
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of National Association for the promotion of studies in Arts and Social Sciences
Abstract
The power of literary arts, drama and theatre as an instrument for influencing people and effecting changes in society is well known. Theatre used to be very popular art in traditional African society. It used to be point of intersection where members of the community come to entertain themselves. In the traditional contact of African drama, theatre is a popular and respectable institution which preserves the people’s culture and tradition. Theatre is popular because it emphasized community participation, peace and progress. The presentation focused on the people’s lives, their aspirants, fears, and hopes. Given the fundamental position of drama and theatre in Africa, it plays a crucial role at various levels of national life. Thus, the act of singing, dancing and play acting can serve as a veritable tool for electioneering campaign. The activities of dramatic performances, according to Oladele Taiwo, “are based on ‘doing’ and active participation rather than ‘listening’ and passive reception“'. This factor underlines the importance of drama as a tool of political mobilization. At every stage in life, drama and theatre, if properly utilized, bring about a desirable change in behavior and political maneuvering.
This paper intends to examine the role of theatre and drama in electioneering campaign. The procedure is simply pedagogical. We start by looking at the issue of the definition of theatre and drama. This, of course, will be followed by examining the emotional and psychological significance of arts, drama and theatre in electioneering campaign.
Description
Keywords
Literary Arts, Drama, Theatre, Electioneering Campaign