Problems and Prospects of Theatre Entrepreneurship in the Nigerian Economy
PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF THEATRE ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY
Afolabi Taiwo Okunola
(Department of Theatre & Film Arts, University of Jos, Nigeria)
Abstract
The business of theatre management is business of management. It is a culmination of the directive principles, canons and protocols governing theatre and management together to form a formidable team which thus makes a theatre entrepreneur. Being a theatre entrepreneur in Nigeria entails many dilemmas, challenges and hurdles. Thus, this paper seeks to address the problems and prospects facing theatre entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
Introduction
Theatre management that requires a diligent entrepreneur to handle is a necessarily and inevitable aspect of the theatre. For instance, Innocent Ohiri in his article elaborately outlined the role of the theatre carried out by the theatre entrepreneur in this depressed economy. The management function of the manager becomes inevitable if the theatre is to be sustained and vibrant in this 21st century. However, theatre management or theatre entrepreneurship involve two principal words that needs to be broken down in order to really vista the concept in ditto. Zulu Sofola, one of the progenitors of the Nigerian theatre considers theatre as a medium of artistic expression where societal happenings are mirrored in a dynamic, living form. A metaphorical image of reality, it reflects the total cosmic, moral and metaphysical order of the life of the people. It is an arena where human beings are presented in a cosmic totality, acting and reacting to forces around them and within them, perceiving and being perceived by those interacting with them, and by those in the audience who experience with them the enigma that is the common lot of humanity.1
This elaborate, yet succinctly description of theatre with how the job description is being carried out tailored the duty of a theatre manager in his art and act of managing the theatre for the reflection, refraction and
Afolabi Taiwo Okunola
(Department of Theatre & Film Arts, University of Jos, Nigeria)
Abstract
The business of theatre management is business of management. It is a culmination of the directive principles, canons and protocols governing theatre and management together to form a formidable team which thus makes a theatre entrepreneur. Being a theatre entrepreneur in Nigeria entails many dilemmas, challenges and hurdles. Thus, this paper seeks to address the problems and prospects facing theatre entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
Introduction
Theatre management that requires a diligent entrepreneur to handle is a necessarily and inevitable aspect of the theatre. For instance, Innocent Ohiri in his article elaborately outlined the role of the theatre carried out by the theatre entrepreneur in this depressed economy. The management function of the manager becomes inevitable if the theatre is to be sustained and vibrant in this 21st century. However, theatre management or theatre entrepreneurship involve two principal words that needs to be broken down in order to really vista the concept in ditto. Zulu Sofola, one of the progenitors of the Nigerian theatre considers theatre as a medium of artistic expression where societal happenings are mirrored in a dynamic, living form. A metaphorical image of reality, it reflects the total cosmic, moral and metaphysical order of the life of the people. It is an arena where human beings are presented in a cosmic totality, acting and reacting to forces around them and within them, perceiving and being perceived by those interacting with them, and by those in the audience who experience with them the enigma that is the common lot of humanity.1
This elaborate, yet succinctly description of theatre with how the job description is being carried out tailored the duty of a theatre manager in his art and act of managing the theatre for the reflection, refraction and
References: 1) Sofola, Zulu. ‘The Theatre in Search for African Authenticity’. African Theology on Route (eds.) Kofi Appiah- Kusi and Sergio Torres, (New York; Orbis Books, 1979), P.126 2) Cohen, R. Theatre Brief Version, Fifth Edition. Mayfield Publishing Company, CA, United States, 1999 3) http://www.gregwatson.com/entrepreneurship-definition/ 4) Innocent Ohiri. The Role of the Theatre in a Depressed Economy: A study of the Nigerian Situation In Nigerian Theatre Journal (A Journal of the Society of Nigerian Theatre Artistes) Duro Oni (ed.) Lagos: University of Lagos. Vol. 9, No. 1 5) Ebun C, “Ogunde Theatre: The Rise of Contemporary Professional Theatre in Nigeria 1946-72”, Nigeria Magazine, No. 114, 1974 6) Ogunbiyi, Y Drama And Theatre In Nigeria: A Critical Source Book, Nigeria Magazine, 1981 7) Innocent Ohiri. The Role of the Theatre in a Depressed Economy: A study of the Nigerian Situation In Nigerian Theatre Journal (A Journal of the Society of Nigerian Theatre Artistes) Duro Oni (ed.) Lagos: University of Lagos. Vol. 9, No. 1 8) Ayo Olu Akinwale. The Theatre as Business Venture in the New Millenium In Nigerian Theatre Journal (A Journal of the Society of Nigerian Theatre Artistes) Mabel I.E. Evwierhoma (ed.) Ibadan: Sam Bookman Publishers. Vol. 5, No. 1, 1999. 9) ____________________ibid P. 98 10) Dugga Victor, Oteh Patrick-Jude The Story of Jos Repertory Theatre In African Theatre (Martin Banham et al) UK: Boydell & Brewer Inc. 2008