Application of Technical Aesthetics of Costume, Make-up, Props and Performance Space in Idoma Traditional Performance Theatre

Abstract

Traditional performances in Africa are cherished and honoured with divinity despite the advent of modernity. These performances are taken with the seriousness of life and death because they embody the people’s culture, beliefs, life and life after death. Consequently, these performances are often accompanied by music, dance, songs, masquerades and so on to actualise and merge their corporal and spiritual cosmos. Therefore, the technicality of costume, make-up, props, performance space and so on are harnessed and utilised to establish the performance and to bring out the message, meaning and aesthetics in the performances. The study employs descriptive and analytical methods, complemented with materials from books, journal articles and appropriate internet sources. Findings reveal that technical aesthetics defines the performance, brings out its beauty and establishes the Idoma cultural identity. The paper concludes that technical aesthetics of costume, make-up, props and performance space create communication and identity in Idoma culture. We, therefore, recommend that traditional performances should be encouraged and sustained to unite and maintain the people’s identity, using it as a cultural voice for the Idoma people.