SPREADING THE WORD AND THE CULTURE: THE STAGE AND SCREEN AS ROSTRA FOR NIGERIA'S DEMOCRACY

Abstract

Democracy in more ways than one, is a novel experience in Nigeria. To make it work, it is necessary to utilize all the tools at our disposal to inculcate democratic values into the minds of citizens. There is a necessity for re-socializing, re-engineering and repositioning to neutralize some attitudinal poisons swimming through our political and ideological bloodstream. This study examines how this re-socialization can be accomplished through drama, both on stage and the screen. We also make recommendations as to what the form and content of such plays should be. This study concludes that effective citizenship education through the mass media and theatre, which teaches the act of participation and effecting positive change within communities, is inevitable for the development of a lasting commitment to civic participation.


(Humanities Review: 2001 1(1): 20-25)