A Critical Analysis of Dramaturgy and Theatricality in Okwe Agbaala

Abstract

It has been observed that some contemporary Igbo playwrights usually deviate from the standard form and structure of playwriting. Besides, some write without having the stage and theatre audience in mind. Consequently, they present some undramatic actions in their works. Unfortunately, this situation has left the written Igbo drama as ordinary literary text like the novel or poem which cannot be performed on the stage. As a result, some directors and actors no longer have interest in it. They now prefer those written in the English language. This situation is what engineered the study into examining the extent to which Nwadike has fared in achieving the art of theatre in his work. To get about this, the study adopts the literary theory of formalism in analyzing the text. Besides, some related literatures were reviewed. The findings revealed that: i. Okwe Agbaala is a good example of contemporary Igbo drama that can be performed on a modern theatre. ii. the work really conformed to the standard form and structure of playwriting. iii. some elements in the work can be improvised. iv. the study shows that there is a clear difference between the dramaturgy and
theatricality of the contemporary Igbo drama and that of the Igbo traditional drama. However, the study recommends that young Igbo playwrights should be educated properly and encouraged to recognise the standard form of playwriting, as well as the importance of premier production before publishing their works. This would not only enhance their works but it would give them the privilege to observe how they have fared in communicating to their readers and audience.