In Our Own Words: The Collosal Strides of Emeka Nwabueze, 2021
It is the supposition of this paper that the 'game' of leadership/politics has rules; but how tru... more It is the supposition of this paper that the 'game' of leadership/politics has rules; but how truly compliant to the rules are those that 'play' the game? The author, therefore, takes a conscious analytical stance in this epochal collection in honourof of a revered and distinguished theatre icon, Professor Emeka Nwabueze, to highlight just a slice of his decades of scholarly contributions, not only as a social critic, but also, a political commentator in this unique creative enterprise. Through critical textual analysis, juxtaposed with prevailing political realities of the period, the chapter explores Emeka Nwabueze's aestheticism in handling the tenors of the polarity between revolutionary optimist and obsessive pessimism in his play, GUARDIAN OF THE COSMOS, to determine whether it could truly be said that there is triumph, or so it seems, of one pole or the other at the end of the day.
The inextricable relationship between art and society cannot be overemphasised, as no work of art... more The inextricable relationship between art and society cannot be overemphasised, as no work of art exists in a vacuum without that identification with as well as reflection of the social relations in which it is created. The implication, therefore, is that issues that border on social realities have been the major or dominant motif of writers the world over, Africa not exceptional. This paper undertakes a sociological survey of Athol Fugard's Sizwe Bansi is Dead, and directs its focus from the thrust of sociological theory. It lays emphasis on those prevailing social realities in Apartheid South Africa that informed the creation of the play, and highlights the subtle and salient effects of the Apartheid system as obtains in South Africa of the time, using this well crafted play as a paradigm.
Art, indeed, remains an effective means of representing reality. It has undoubtedly become instru... more Art, indeed, remains an effective means of representing reality. It has undoubtedly become instrumental in understanding and interpreting aspects of society-its inherent dialectics-its realities. Drama, therefore, as the most social of art forms invariably predisposes the dramatist/artist as invaluable in the solemn task of mirroring these realities. This paper surveys the socio-political developments, nay realities in two Sub-Saharan African societies, to examine the inextricable relationship between art and society as well as underscore the effect of the past on the present, using relevant works of two prominent dramatists from this region, Ngugi Wa Thiong'o (Kenya) and Femi Osofisan (Nigeria) as paradigms.
Examples in Alternative Theatre practice across most nations in African as in many other develope... more Examples in Alternative Theatre practice across most nations in African as in many other developed/developing nations of the world which has come under various names but commonly referred to as Theatre for Development because of its role in addressing people's development, abound today. Similarly abounding are testimonies on its impact from earliest practices-from the
American International Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
This study investigates the contemporary environmental risks of air pollution and heat waves, the... more This study investigates the contemporary environmental risks of air pollution and heat waves, their causes, and their impacts in Pakistan. The research aims to find out the reasons behind the response challenges despite introducing policy programs such as National Climate Change Policy Framework and initiatives like The Billion Tree Tsunami. This study has used a qualitative research approach by adding a case study analysis and an environmental expert’s opinion. The key findings have revealed that compared to the past, the nature of causes behind rising air pollution and intense heat waves has changed. Heavy traffic flow, stop-and-go traffic phenomenon, uncontrolled emissions, and rapid shifts in rainfall are the principal factors that harm Pakistan’s environment. From the expert’s point of view, the study also reveals that the response mechanism is facing hurdles due to institutional dissonance and lack of capacity building. Further, the findings suggest that a multi-layered approa...
The creation of a believable reality in a film story requires appropriate application of both vis... more The creation of a believable reality in a film story requires appropriate application of both visual and auditory elements to achieve an effective communication. Thus, the film medium is a vital instrument in the hands of man for the transformation of his natural world and the projection of his ideal world to other human beings. Film is one of the fascinating and easiest means of communication in Nigeria, due to its wide range of audience consumption. Hence, the audience invariably accentuates the reality of the filmic experience. The concept of audience in film studies highlights a collective of people who are responsive to film viewership. The audience is necessary for filmmakers’ profit, and as such filmmakers construct their film very specifically in the hope of pulling substantial audience turnouts, which readily predisposes the filmmakers’ product to be predominantly audience-driven. Through the films produced, the audience is educated and entertained. This is therefore an obv...
Received: February 20, 2020 Accepted: February 27, 2020 Published: March 31, 2020 Volume: 2 Issue... more Received: February 20, 2020 Accepted: February 27, 2020 Published: March 31, 2020 Volume: 2 Issue: 2 The success of every business, media management inclusive, depends on the managers' ability to recognize and adapt to socio-political, economic, cultural, and technological as well as other prevailing dynamics of the host environment. The implication of the foregoing is that for the media to succeed in the discharge of their functions, the imperative for effective management cannot be overemphasized. In other words, a good knowledge of journalism, as much necessary as it is, is not enough prerequisite for effective management of media organizations, especially in a prevailing depressed economy like ours. With their strategic location as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, the media industry in Nigeria has no doubt continued to grow in size and responsibility. Such growth in turn inevitably places higher demands on effective management of the industry. Against this backdrop, especiall...
Examples in Alternative Theatre practice across most nations in African as in many other develope... more Examples in Alternative Theatre practice across most nations in African as in many other developed/developing nations of the world which has come under various names but commonly referred to as Theatre for Development because of its role in addressing people's development, abound today. Similarly abounding are testimonies on its impact from earliest practices-from the
The invaluable place of the youths in any given society cannot be overemphasised. As future gener... more The invaluable place of the youths in any given society cannot be overemphasised. As future generations of the society and leaders of tomorrow, what concerns the youths should be a matter of utmost concern to every well meaning citizen, and thus must be given adequate attention. This explains why many studies have tried to probe the negative effects of television and video films on viewers, especially the youths. In Nigeria, as in most developing and developed societies world over, apart from parental influence, television has become perhaps the most potent influence on the beliefs, values and behaviours of youths. In recent times, there are too many foreign and homemade violent programmes which are mixed bag of crime, sex, horror and violence. The video medium too is not excluded in this pervasion of vices and violence. The fact that the class of people mostly attracted to and influenced by these antisocial activities are the youths, calls for serious concern; more so, since violence has come to assume a serious global concern in today's world. In the light of the above, the study adopts the qualitative research approach and the interplay of the Cultivation Analysis and the Social Cognitive Theories to critically examine the negative effects of youths' exposure to violent television and video film contents and their ramifying implications on our socio-cultural wellbeing as a people, as well as proffer valuable recommendations geared towards possible solution to this worrisome trend.
The concept of development communication is a clear pointer to the interrelationship between comm... more The concept of development communication is a clear pointer to the interrelationship between communication and development and the fact that the process of communication can be effectively applied to achieve development purposes. In development communication, the major aim of communication is to bring about the process of development. Theatre as a communicative art is a highly dynamic and powerful conscientisation medium, and as such, integral to communication, as it is to development, establishing its importance and unique role as an invaluable development communication instrument. Anchoring on the truism of the above statement, and reinforced by the participatory development communication model, the paper refocuses the Esuk Ewang and Ibaka Communities of Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria's Environmental Theatre for Development Project, to highlight the true nature of theatre in the context of development as well as the interrelationship between communicatio...
Creative dramatics remains a relatively new and burgeoning phenomenon in contemporary education. ... more Creative dramatics remains a relatively new and burgeoning phenomenon in contemporary education. It is an attempt to use drama for more functional purposes. This paper surveys the instrumentality of creative dramatics as a classroom experience and as an effective educational tool in contemporary education. It carefully considers its meaning and implications, scope, aims and objectives as well as its values to the growth of the child in all development gamut; as well as the vital and invaluable role of the teacher in permeating the world of the child to understand and assist him to master the realities of his surrounding as he is being prepared for the real world and a better living in life.
Examples in Alternative Theatre practice across most nations in African as in many other develope... more Examples in Alternative Theatre practice across most nations in African as in many other developed/developing nations of the world which has come under various names but commonly referred to as Theatre for Development because of its role in addressing people's development, abound today. Similarly abounding are testimonies on its impact from earliest practices-from the
Democratisation from time immemorial has been a people-oriented phenomenon. While development in ... more Democratisation from time immemorial has been a people-oriented phenomenon. While development in the context of this discourse points to change-positive change, which involves the improvement of the quality of people's situation/condition; considering Alternative Theatre in the light of the above topic, therefore, implies the galvanising of the consciousness of the people towards active participation in addressing their development needs and aspirations. This simply emphasises the planning of activities aimed at directing this process of change essentially from the perspective of the people. Through the platform of Alternative Theatre-a veering from the conventional theatre tradition, this paper highlights the instrumentality and effectiveness of a remarkably burgeoning and diversifying performance tradition in democratising this development process.
Breakthroughs in science and technology have no doubt brought about tremendous enhancement of eff... more Breakthroughs in science and technology have no doubt brought about tremendous enhancement of effective communication process; validating science and technology’s invaluable role in human communication activities. This positive trend which has brought about the development of satellite as a Space Technology has proved greatly instrumental in laying the foundation for effective communication structure by guaranteeing the availability of speedy access to real-time data and geospatial information which have similarly proved impactful on virtually all human development effort. The Federal Government of Nigeria, fully aware of the implication of the above in its aspiration towards the attainment of rapid and sustainable socioeconomic development, took conscious steps to facilitate the launch of NIGCOMSAT-1, to key into this auspicious communication technological trend. Hence, the role of NIGCOMSAT: the first communications satellite for Nigeria, which was successfully launched into the o...
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been introduced to virtually all aspects of hu... more Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been introduced to virtually all aspects of human endeavour. The developments in the areas of ICT application have become very rapid especially with the need for all broadcast stations to become digitalised. This study investigated the availability, accessibility and influence of ICT tools in programme production; and thus evaluated the options available for programme producers in utilising ICT facilities to facilitate the processes as well as improve contents of the programmes in the broadcast stations in South East Nigeria. Four sets of population – broadcast stations (33); programme producers (271); select audience (infinite), and programme production managers (33) – were studied. A sample of 30% was randomly selected and studied from each population. The study adopted mixed methods research design in a triangulation of survey, observation and content analysis. Finally, the data were descriptively analysed and thematically e...
Democratisation from time immemorial has been a people-oriented phenomenon. While development in ... more Democratisation from time immemorial has been a people-oriented phenomenon. While development in the context of this discourse points to change – positive change, which involves the improvement of the quality of people’s situation/condition; considering Alternative Theatre in the light of the above topic, therefore, implies the galvanising of the consciousness of the people towards active participation in addressing their development needs and aspirations. This simply emphasises the planning of activities aimed at directing this process of change essentially from the perspective of the people. Through the platform of Alternative Theatre – a veering from the conventional theatre tradition, this paper highlights the instrumentality and effectiveness of a remarkably burgeoning and diversifying performance tradition in democratising this development process.
The inextricable relationship between art and society cannot be overemphasised, as no work of art... more The inextricable relationship between art and society cannot be overemphasised, as no work of art exists in a vacuum without that identification with as well as reflection of the social relations in which it is created. The implication, therefore, is that issues that border on social realities have been the major or dominant motif of writers the world over, Africa not exceptional. This paper undertakes a sociological survey of Athol Fugard’s Sizwe Bansi is Dead, and directs its focus from the thrust of sociological theory. It lays emphasis on those prevailing social realities in Apartheid South Africa that informed the creation of the play, and highlights the subtle and salient effects of the Apartheid system as obtains in South Africa of the time, using this well crafted play as a paradigm.
Creative dramatics remains a relatively new and burgeoning phenomenon in contemporary education. ... more Creative dramatics remains a relatively new and burgeoning phenomenon in contemporary education. It is an attempt to use drama for more functional purposes. This paper surveys the instrumentality of creative dramatics as a classroom experience and as an effective educational tool in contemporary education. It carefully considers its meaning and implications, scope, aims and objectives as well as its values to the growth of the child in all development gamut; as well as the vital and invaluable role of the teacher in permeating the world of the child to understand and assist him to master the realities of his surrounding as he is being prepared for the real world and a better living in life.
In Our Own Words: The Collosal Strides of Emeka Nwabueze, 2021
It is the supposition of this paper that the 'game' of leadership/politics has rules; but how tru... more It is the supposition of this paper that the 'game' of leadership/politics has rules; but how truly compliant to the rules are those that 'play' the game? The author, therefore, takes a conscious analytical stance in this epochal collection in honourof of a revered and distinguished theatre icon, Professor Emeka Nwabueze, to highlight just a slice of his decades of scholarly contributions, not only as a social critic, but also, a political commentator in this unique creative enterprise. Through critical textual analysis, juxtaposed with prevailing political realities of the period, the chapter explores Emeka Nwabueze's aestheticism in handling the tenors of the polarity between revolutionary optimist and obsessive pessimism in his play, GUARDIAN OF THE COSMOS, to determine whether it could truly be said that there is triumph, or so it seems, of one pole or the other at the end of the day.
The inextricable relationship between art and society cannot be overemphasised, as no work of art... more The inextricable relationship between art and society cannot be overemphasised, as no work of art exists in a vacuum without that identification with as well as reflection of the social relations in which it is created. The implication, therefore, is that issues that border on social realities have been the major or dominant motif of writers the world over, Africa not exceptional. This paper undertakes a sociological survey of Athol Fugard's Sizwe Bansi is Dead, and directs its focus from the thrust of sociological theory. It lays emphasis on those prevailing social realities in Apartheid South Africa that informed the creation of the play, and highlights the subtle and salient effects of the Apartheid system as obtains in South Africa of the time, using this well crafted play as a paradigm.
Art, indeed, remains an effective means of representing reality. It has undoubtedly become instru... more Art, indeed, remains an effective means of representing reality. It has undoubtedly become instrumental in understanding and interpreting aspects of society-its inherent dialectics-its realities. Drama, therefore, as the most social of art forms invariably predisposes the dramatist/artist as invaluable in the solemn task of mirroring these realities. This paper surveys the socio-political developments, nay realities in two Sub-Saharan African societies, to examine the inextricable relationship between art and society as well as underscore the effect of the past on the present, using relevant works of two prominent dramatists from this region, Ngugi Wa Thiong'o (Kenya) and Femi Osofisan (Nigeria) as paradigms.
Examples in Alternative Theatre practice across most nations in African as in many other develope... more Examples in Alternative Theatre practice across most nations in African as in many other developed/developing nations of the world which has come under various names but commonly referred to as Theatre for Development because of its role in addressing people's development, abound today. Similarly abounding are testimonies on its impact from earliest practices-from the
American International Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
This study investigates the contemporary environmental risks of air pollution and heat waves, the... more This study investigates the contemporary environmental risks of air pollution and heat waves, their causes, and their impacts in Pakistan. The research aims to find out the reasons behind the response challenges despite introducing policy programs such as National Climate Change Policy Framework and initiatives like The Billion Tree Tsunami. This study has used a qualitative research approach by adding a case study analysis and an environmental expert’s opinion. The key findings have revealed that compared to the past, the nature of causes behind rising air pollution and intense heat waves has changed. Heavy traffic flow, stop-and-go traffic phenomenon, uncontrolled emissions, and rapid shifts in rainfall are the principal factors that harm Pakistan’s environment. From the expert’s point of view, the study also reveals that the response mechanism is facing hurdles due to institutional dissonance and lack of capacity building. Further, the findings suggest that a multi-layered approa...
The creation of a believable reality in a film story requires appropriate application of both vis... more The creation of a believable reality in a film story requires appropriate application of both visual and auditory elements to achieve an effective communication. Thus, the film medium is a vital instrument in the hands of man for the transformation of his natural world and the projection of his ideal world to other human beings. Film is one of the fascinating and easiest means of communication in Nigeria, due to its wide range of audience consumption. Hence, the audience invariably accentuates the reality of the filmic experience. The concept of audience in film studies highlights a collective of people who are responsive to film viewership. The audience is necessary for filmmakers’ profit, and as such filmmakers construct their film very specifically in the hope of pulling substantial audience turnouts, which readily predisposes the filmmakers’ product to be predominantly audience-driven. Through the films produced, the audience is educated and entertained. This is therefore an obv...
Received: February 20, 2020 Accepted: February 27, 2020 Published: March 31, 2020 Volume: 2 Issue... more Received: February 20, 2020 Accepted: February 27, 2020 Published: March 31, 2020 Volume: 2 Issue: 2 The success of every business, media management inclusive, depends on the managers' ability to recognize and adapt to socio-political, economic, cultural, and technological as well as other prevailing dynamics of the host environment. The implication of the foregoing is that for the media to succeed in the discharge of their functions, the imperative for effective management cannot be overemphasized. In other words, a good knowledge of journalism, as much necessary as it is, is not enough prerequisite for effective management of media organizations, especially in a prevailing depressed economy like ours. With their strategic location as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, the media industry in Nigeria has no doubt continued to grow in size and responsibility. Such growth in turn inevitably places higher demands on effective management of the industry. Against this backdrop, especiall...
Examples in Alternative Theatre practice across most nations in African as in many other develope... more Examples in Alternative Theatre practice across most nations in African as in many other developed/developing nations of the world which has come under various names but commonly referred to as Theatre for Development because of its role in addressing people's development, abound today. Similarly abounding are testimonies on its impact from earliest practices-from the
The invaluable place of the youths in any given society cannot be overemphasised. As future gener... more The invaluable place of the youths in any given society cannot be overemphasised. As future generations of the society and leaders of tomorrow, what concerns the youths should be a matter of utmost concern to every well meaning citizen, and thus must be given adequate attention. This explains why many studies have tried to probe the negative effects of television and video films on viewers, especially the youths. In Nigeria, as in most developing and developed societies world over, apart from parental influence, television has become perhaps the most potent influence on the beliefs, values and behaviours of youths. In recent times, there are too many foreign and homemade violent programmes which are mixed bag of crime, sex, horror and violence. The video medium too is not excluded in this pervasion of vices and violence. The fact that the class of people mostly attracted to and influenced by these antisocial activities are the youths, calls for serious concern; more so, since violence has come to assume a serious global concern in today's world. In the light of the above, the study adopts the qualitative research approach and the interplay of the Cultivation Analysis and the Social Cognitive Theories to critically examine the negative effects of youths' exposure to violent television and video film contents and their ramifying implications on our socio-cultural wellbeing as a people, as well as proffer valuable recommendations geared towards possible solution to this worrisome trend.
The concept of development communication is a clear pointer to the interrelationship between comm... more The concept of development communication is a clear pointer to the interrelationship between communication and development and the fact that the process of communication can be effectively applied to achieve development purposes. In development communication, the major aim of communication is to bring about the process of development. Theatre as a communicative art is a highly dynamic and powerful conscientisation medium, and as such, integral to communication, as it is to development, establishing its importance and unique role as an invaluable development communication instrument. Anchoring on the truism of the above statement, and reinforced by the participatory development communication model, the paper refocuses the Esuk Ewang and Ibaka Communities of Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria's Environmental Theatre for Development Project, to highlight the true nature of theatre in the context of development as well as the interrelationship between communicatio...
Creative dramatics remains a relatively new and burgeoning phenomenon in contemporary education. ... more Creative dramatics remains a relatively new and burgeoning phenomenon in contemporary education. It is an attempt to use drama for more functional purposes. This paper surveys the instrumentality of creative dramatics as a classroom experience and as an effective educational tool in contemporary education. It carefully considers its meaning and implications, scope, aims and objectives as well as its values to the growth of the child in all development gamut; as well as the vital and invaluable role of the teacher in permeating the world of the child to understand and assist him to master the realities of his surrounding as he is being prepared for the real world and a better living in life.
Examples in Alternative Theatre practice across most nations in African as in many other develope... more Examples in Alternative Theatre practice across most nations in African as in many other developed/developing nations of the world which has come under various names but commonly referred to as Theatre for Development because of its role in addressing people's development, abound today. Similarly abounding are testimonies on its impact from earliest practices-from the
Democratisation from time immemorial has been a people-oriented phenomenon. While development in ... more Democratisation from time immemorial has been a people-oriented phenomenon. While development in the context of this discourse points to change-positive change, which involves the improvement of the quality of people's situation/condition; considering Alternative Theatre in the light of the above topic, therefore, implies the galvanising of the consciousness of the people towards active participation in addressing their development needs and aspirations. This simply emphasises the planning of activities aimed at directing this process of change essentially from the perspective of the people. Through the platform of Alternative Theatre-a veering from the conventional theatre tradition, this paper highlights the instrumentality and effectiveness of a remarkably burgeoning and diversifying performance tradition in democratising this development process.
Breakthroughs in science and technology have no doubt brought about tremendous enhancement of eff... more Breakthroughs in science and technology have no doubt brought about tremendous enhancement of effective communication process; validating science and technology’s invaluable role in human communication activities. This positive trend which has brought about the development of satellite as a Space Technology has proved greatly instrumental in laying the foundation for effective communication structure by guaranteeing the availability of speedy access to real-time data and geospatial information which have similarly proved impactful on virtually all human development effort. The Federal Government of Nigeria, fully aware of the implication of the above in its aspiration towards the attainment of rapid and sustainable socioeconomic development, took conscious steps to facilitate the launch of NIGCOMSAT-1, to key into this auspicious communication technological trend. Hence, the role of NIGCOMSAT: the first communications satellite for Nigeria, which was successfully launched into the o...
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been introduced to virtually all aspects of hu... more Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been introduced to virtually all aspects of human endeavour. The developments in the areas of ICT application have become very rapid especially with the need for all broadcast stations to become digitalised. This study investigated the availability, accessibility and influence of ICT tools in programme production; and thus evaluated the options available for programme producers in utilising ICT facilities to facilitate the processes as well as improve contents of the programmes in the broadcast stations in South East Nigeria. Four sets of population – broadcast stations (33); programme producers (271); select audience (infinite), and programme production managers (33) – were studied. A sample of 30% was randomly selected and studied from each population. The study adopted mixed methods research design in a triangulation of survey, observation and content analysis. Finally, the data were descriptively analysed and thematically e...
Democratisation from time immemorial has been a people-oriented phenomenon. While development in ... more Democratisation from time immemorial has been a people-oriented phenomenon. While development in the context of this discourse points to change – positive change, which involves the improvement of the quality of people’s situation/condition; considering Alternative Theatre in the light of the above topic, therefore, implies the galvanising of the consciousness of the people towards active participation in addressing their development needs and aspirations. This simply emphasises the planning of activities aimed at directing this process of change essentially from the perspective of the people. Through the platform of Alternative Theatre – a veering from the conventional theatre tradition, this paper highlights the instrumentality and effectiveness of a remarkably burgeoning and diversifying performance tradition in democratising this development process.
The inextricable relationship between art and society cannot be overemphasised, as no work of art... more The inextricable relationship between art and society cannot be overemphasised, as no work of art exists in a vacuum without that identification with as well as reflection of the social relations in which it is created. The implication, therefore, is that issues that border on social realities have been the major or dominant motif of writers the world over, Africa not exceptional. This paper undertakes a sociological survey of Athol Fugard’s Sizwe Bansi is Dead, and directs its focus from the thrust of sociological theory. It lays emphasis on those prevailing social realities in Apartheid South Africa that informed the creation of the play, and highlights the subtle and salient effects of the Apartheid system as obtains in South Africa of the time, using this well crafted play as a paradigm.
Creative dramatics remains a relatively new and burgeoning phenomenon in contemporary education. ... more Creative dramatics remains a relatively new and burgeoning phenomenon in contemporary education. It is an attempt to use drama for more functional purposes. This paper surveys the instrumentality of creative dramatics as a classroom experience and as an effective educational tool in contemporary education. It carefully considers its meaning and implications, scope, aims and objectives as well as its values to the growth of the child in all development gamut; as well as the vital and invaluable role of the teacher in permeating the world of the child to understand and assist him to master the realities of his surrounding as he is being prepared for the real world and a better living in life.
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