Scenography and cultural preservation in Nigeria: A Study of the 2023 performance of Ododo’s Hard Choice in Lead City University, Ibadan

Abstract

The concern for the promotion and preservation of indigenous culture in the face of globalization has a continued to gain the attention of scholars, as well as policy and non-policy-makers. Various approaches have been adopted in various places like in museums and libraries to ensure the preservation and promotion of the tangible and intangible aspects of indigenous cultures. This study recognizes scenography as one of such powerful media for promoting and preserving cultural expressions; especially drama whose content and material carry cultural elements. Scenography is one of the most effective visual aspects of the theatre that the audience encounters first upon entrance into the theatre to experience a live performance. A well-designed play makes statements on the location, period and experiences of the culture being dramatized and through this, the projected culture is exhibited, promoted and stored in the memories of the audience. Using the performance of Sunnie Ododo’s play titled “Hard Choice” staged on the 1st of December, 2023 by the students of Lead City University as primary datum, this study discusses how scenography goes beyond mere aestheticism to create and aid cultural awareness and preservation. It exposes the creative strategy and design techniques deployed to negotiate the interpretation of Ododo’s “Hard Choice”. In this regard, the study employs descriptive method which includes descriptive analysis and participant observation, coupled with interviews with the cast and technical crew members as sources of data. Moreso, constructivism was also romanticized in foregrounding the theoretical framework. The study concludes that theatre is a veritable means of promoting and sustaining African values and culture through effective and functional scenographic considerations.