paper on Theatre and social Regulation: Onyonmkpo masquerade
Drama and social Regulation: an examination of Onyomkpo masquerade performance of Idoma
By
Ted Anyebe (PhD)
Department of Theatre Arts
Benue State University
Makurdi.
Phone 07036201288 email: anyebeted@gmail.com
Abstract
This paper examines an indigenous theatre practice among the Idoma of Nigeria. It presents that even though recreational, indigenous drama is used as an instrument of enforcing social order in Idoma. The influence of masquerade tradition as a deeply entrenched value system among many Nigerian societies is discussed. The paper uses Onyomkpo masquerade performance as an example to validate the view that indigenous drama is a criterion put in place by societies for the maintenance of law and order. Onyomkpo activities are considered among Idoma as functional instruments of entertainment and social regulation. This drama tradition is essentially, a language art performance. It is speech art drama that is language programmed. Onyomkpo dramatizes is an anonymous masquerade. It is not the regular costumed masquerade that is characteristic of many masquerades. Even though it is not in the category of ancestral spirits, its reclusive nature, coupled with the spiritual configurations given to masquerades makes people to associate Onyomkpo with social purity. The research for this work was conducted using qualitative approach. The researcher used the insider/participant observation approach and relied predominantly on working with the people to gather the necessary data needed. The performers were interviewed. Relevant books were also consulted. Based on data collected, the paper concludes that apart from the aesthetic value, Onyomkpo assists in maintenance of law and order by ensuring compliance to societal ethics and morality.
ted anyebe’s bio-data
Dr ted anyebe is presently an Associate Professor with Benue State University, Makurdi. His research interest is in Masquerade traditions of the Idoma people of
By
Ted Anyebe (PhD)
Department of Theatre Arts
Benue State University
Makurdi.
Phone 07036201288 email: anyebeted@gmail.com
Abstract
This paper examines an indigenous theatre practice among the Idoma of Nigeria. It presents that even though recreational, indigenous drama is used as an instrument of enforcing social order in Idoma. The influence of masquerade tradition as a deeply entrenched value system among many Nigerian societies is discussed. The paper uses Onyomkpo masquerade performance as an example to validate the view that indigenous drama is a criterion put in place by societies for the maintenance of law and order. Onyomkpo activities are considered among Idoma as functional instruments of entertainment and social regulation. This drama tradition is essentially, a language art performance. It is speech art drama that is language programmed. Onyomkpo dramatizes is an anonymous masquerade. It is not the regular costumed masquerade that is characteristic of many masquerades. Even though it is not in the category of ancestral spirits, its reclusive nature, coupled with the spiritual configurations given to masquerades makes people to associate Onyomkpo with social purity. The research for this work was conducted using qualitative approach. The researcher used the insider/participant observation approach and relied predominantly on working with the people to gather the necessary data needed. The performers were interviewed. Relevant books were also consulted. Based on data collected, the paper concludes that apart from the aesthetic value, Onyomkpo assists in maintenance of law and order by ensuring compliance to societal ethics and morality.
ted anyebe’s bio-data
Dr ted anyebe is presently an Associate Professor with Benue State University, Makurdi. His research interest is in Masquerade traditions of the Idoma people of
Cited: Adedeji, J. A. “Forms and Functions in Yoruba Drama”. Odu University of Ife journal of African Studies, vol 4 no. 1, 1967. Amali, Idris O. O. “Indigenous Nigerian Oral Drama as an Instrument of Social Regulation: a study of Ogbllo secret society of Idoma”. UFAHAMU Journal of the African Activist Association, vol. xx, no. 1, 1992. 56-67. Aristotle. Poetics. James Hutton (trans.) New York: Norton, 1982. Artaud, Antonin The Theatre and its Double. (Reprint) Paris: Nathen, 1996. Okonta, Everwvmehn. Perspectives on African Traditional Religion. Lagos: Ijala Press Ltd. 1988.