Conflict, Cultural Diversity and Relativism in Contemporary Nigerian Drama: An Apologia

Abstract

This paper seeks to interrogate the ideal of using drama to highlight the cultural differences within the Nigerian polity and advance the argument that there is need for playwrights to creatively orchestrate this diversity and in the process examine the model of relativism and tolerance amongst the various federating units in the country and thus attempt to rebut the popular use of stereotypes. In this age of much ethnic nationalism, cultural irredentism and religious fundamentalism, the need to bring to the fore the fact that no culture or religion has the right to absolute morality and truth, becomes more compelling in our attempt to build an enduring nation and earn our place in the comity of progressive nations.