Farmer-Herder Clashes and the Choreographic Motif of the ‘Emblem of Peace’ Dance Performance

Abstract

The consistent feud between the herdsmen and farmers clashes in Nigeria has devastating effects on the Nigerian citizens. The wanton  destruction of lives and properties, hunger and starvation that are orchestrated by this menace is worrisome and a major concern for academics. Stake holders and policy makers have intervened through different measures to ameliorate these crises to no avail. These  crises to the best knowledge of this researcher have led to citizen’s agitation and unrest in many parts of the country. Therefore, there is  a need for consistent effort by stake holders, policy makers, theatre institutions and administrators to do more and sit on a round table for continued dialogue in order to address the issue of farmer-herder clashes in Nigeria. In view of the foregoing, this study beams its  searchlight on the menace of farmer-herder conflicts in the structuring of dance production which was titled: “The Emblem of peace”.  The choreographic motif of the dance appeals for peace to reign between the herdsmen and the farmers’ in Nigeria. The research adopts theory of eukinetics which deals with the art of designing dance sequences in analyzing Godwin Onuche’s dance Production. The  comments from the viva-voce of the production reveals that, the dance package was well understood; it offers a unique and powerful form of human expression through body movement and allows one to speak in language that is visceral. This study recommends and  concludes that, The Emblem of Peace” like other forms of art, provides a space in which one can experience new possibilities and  consciousness that are anchored on peace and tranquility within the ambience of dance choreography in Nigeria.