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    THAP 823 Course Outline

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    THAP 823 Course Outline

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    5 views4 pages

    THAP 823 Course Outline

    Uploaded by

    itzernesto35

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    of 4

    DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE & PERFORMING ARTS

    AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA

    OUTLINE - POPULAR THEATRE (THAP 823)

    Course Description
    Popular Theatre refers to a genre of performance art that emphasizes and prioritises
    accessibility and audience engagement over spectacle and entertainment. The course is
    designed to explore different genres of the term popular; from indigenous performances to
    academic endeavours, and the continuum that leads to Theatre for Development on the one
    hand, and development communication on the other. Therefore, students should be interested
    in the popular as a discourse of issues, attitudes, and forms of communication (interpersonal,
    group and mass) that lead to change.

    By exploring a variety of topics, students can gain a thorough understanding of the diverse
    and dynamic nature of popular theatre, its history, and its ongoing relevance in society.

    Topics to be treated include:

    1. Historical Context (Mr. Salaudeen Adebayo & Oga Steve Daniels)

     Origins of Popular Theatre: Examination of early forms of popular theatre, such as


    Greek and Roman theatre, medieval mystery plays, and commedia dell'arte.
     Influence of Socio-Political Events: How events like the Industrial Revolution, wars,
    and social movements shaped popular theatre.
     Development through the Ages: How popular theatre evolved during different
    periods, such as the Renaissance, Elizabethan era, and the 19th and 20th centuries.
     Development of Popular Theatre in Africa and Nigeria:

    2. Forms and Genres (Dr. Millicent Ahupa)

     Literary drama: Characteristics and significance in the 19th century and beyond
     Street Theatre and Guerilla Theatre: Their role in activism and community
    engagement.

    3. Key Practitioners and Influences (Mr. Abdulmalik Abubakar & Mal. Rabiu Isah)

     Pioneers and Innovators: Key figures like Bertolt Brecht, Augusto Boal, and Jerzy
    Grotowski, David Kerr, Michael Etherton, Steve Abah etc.
     Modern Influences: How contemporary artists and directors continue to shape
    popular theatre.
     Cross-Cultural Influences: The impact of non-Western traditions and global
    exchanges.

    4. Themes and Issues (Dr. Millicent Ahupa)

     Social Justice and Political Commentary: How popular theatre addresses and
    critiques social issues.
     Representation and Diversity: The portrayal of race, gender, sexuality, and class.
     Audience Engagement: Techniques for engaging and involving audiences.

    5. Techniques and Practices (Mr. Abdulmalik Abubakar and Dr. Millicent Ahupa)

     Acting Styles: Different approaches to acting in popular theatre.


     Directing and Production: Key elements of directing and producing popular theatre.
     Writing and Devising: Techniques for creating new works.
     Use of Space and Design: The role of set, costume, and lighting design.

    6. Popular Theatre Movements (Oga Steve Daniels and Mr. Salaudeen Adebayo)

     Epic Theatre: Brechtian techniques and their impact.


     Theatre of the Oppressed: Augusto Boal’s methods and their applications.
     Community Theatre: Its role in fostering community and dialogue.

    7. Case Studies and Analysis (Mal. Rabiu Isah)

     Classic Works: Analysis of landmark popular theatre productions and texts.


     Contemporary Works: Study of recent and current popular theatre productions.
     Global Perspectives: Examination of popular theatre from different cultures and
    regions.

    8. Practical Workshops and Exercises

     Improvisation Exercises: Building skills in spontaneity and creativity.


     Scene Study: Analyzing and performing scenes from popular theatre.
     Devising Projects: Collaborative creation of original works.
     Interactive Performance: Techniques for engaging with the audience.

    9. Impact and Legacy

     Cultural Impact: How popular theatre influences and reflects culture.


     Educational Impact: Use of popular theatre in education and its benefits.
     Future Trends: Emerging trends and the future of popular theatre.

    Articles and Books to be Reviewed

    Ogunbiyi – Drama and Theatre in Nigeria


    Ebun Clark – Hubert Ogunde
    John Willet: Brecht on Theatre
    Pedagogy of the Oppressed – Paulo Freire
    Theatre of the Oppressed – Augusto Boal
    The Development of African Theatre – Michael Etherton
    African Popular Theatre – David Kerr
    Ngugi wa Thiong’o – Decolonizing the Mind
    “In the beginning the theatre was the dithyrambic song: free people singing in the open air.
    The carnival. The feast. Later, the ruling classes took possession of the theatre and built their
    dividing walls… the coercive indoctrination began!”

    Augusto Boal

    Our conception of ‘popular’ refers to the people who are not only fully involved in
    the process of development but are actually taking it over, forcing it, deciding it …
    Bertolt Brecht

    SECOND SEMESTER – CASE STUDIES


    Ross Kidd -
    Tim Prentki and Jan Selman
    Jane Plastow
    Hansel Ndumbe Eyoh
    Performing Life: Case Studies in Theatre for Development – Oga S. Abah
    Kees Epskamp – Theatre for Development

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