Stage Performance and National Security: Images of Insecurity in Kalu Okpi's Echoes In Performance

Abstract

The spate of insecurity in Nigeria is alarming and spreading fast to all strata of the society. It is a negative trend that limits progress, inhibits national and individual development. The recent security concerns in Nigeria show that Nigerians neglect their cultural values and disciplinary tenets which in the past shaped their communities as peaceful and violence free. These values are waning hence the upsurge in crime and all forms of vices which are signposts of insecurity and loss of identity. However, these can be curbed through a conscientization of cultural ethics, taboos and norms as contained in drama and performances on stage This paper argues that stage performances are key instruments that can be used to reconcile and re-orient the masses towards recovering their lost and dented identity. The research explores the treatment of topical issues such as corruption, insecurity and the role of the family in kalu Okpi's Echoes as panacea to socio-political conflicts. Using a socio-cultural analysis of the text and a participatory observatory approach of the performance, the researcher's findings reveal that performances influence the sensibilities of the audience to take positive action. The paper concludes that performances should form part of national vehicle towards re-orientation; rehabilitation and re-conscientization of the Nigerian masses towards national identity, ethnicity and social stability