A STUDY OF THE THEATRICAL ELEMENTS IN IGWE FESTIVAL OF BENIN
ABSTRACT
This study examines the theatrical elements in Igwe Festival of Benin, a traditional festival celebrated by the Edo people of Nigeria. Through a qualitative analysis of participant observation, interviews, and archival research, this study identifies and analyzes the theatrical elements of the festival, including costumes, music, dance, drama, and spectacle. The findings reveal that these elements work together to create a rich and complex performance that reflects the cultural, historical, and social contexts of the Edo people. This study contributes to our understanding of the theatrical elements in traditional African festivals and highlights the importance of these elements in shaping cultural identity and community.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cover Page - - - - - - i
Title Page - - - - - - ii
Declaration - - - - - - - iii
Certification - - - - - - iv
Dedication - - - - - - v
Acknowledgements - - - - - - vi
Table of Contents - - - - - vii
Abstract - - - - - - - viii
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study - - - - 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem - - - - 3
1.3 Objectives of the Study - - - - 3
1.4 Rationale for the Study - - - - 4
1.5 Significance of the Study - - - - 4
1.6 Research Methodology - - - `- 5
1.7 Scope of the Study - - - - - 5
1.8 Limitations of the Study - - - - 6
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATUREREVIEW
2.1 Festival: An Overview - - - - - 7
2.1.2 Festivals in Benin - - - - - 15
CHAPTER THREE: IGWE FESTIVAL
3.1 History of Igwe Festival - - - - `- 17
3.2 Igwe Festival in Performance - - - - 18
CHAPTER FOUR: THEATRICAL ELEMENTS IN IGWE FESTIVAL
4.1 The Theatrical Elements - - - - 19
4.2 Significance of the Theatrical Element in Igwe Festival 20
4.3 Cultural Value of the Theatrical Elements - - 22
CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION
5.1 summary of Finding - - - - - 23
5.2 Recommendations - - - - - 23
Works Cited - - - - - - - 24
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
According to Achebe, (1958) “Theatre is the place of intersection of all the arts: music, movement, voices, scenery, lighting etc”. The above quote affirms that theatre is a synthesis of several creative arts. In other words, a true theatrical performance must integrate the arts of music, dance, mime, drama, scenery, language, among others; in order to effectively communicate certain messages to an audience. With regard to the foregoing, this research work explores some events that take place during the Igwe ceremony, which is celebrated by the Edo people. It argues that some events during the socio-religious observance are colourful theatrical performances.
Igwe festival (also known as King's Festival) is a celebration with its origin in the Benin Kingdom of Edo State, southern Nigeria. One tradition states that the festival date coincided with the marriage of Ewuare to a wife named Ewere. Celebrated between Christmas and New Year, the festival includes the Oba's blessing of the land and his people. Isichei said that during the Igwe ritual season, the Oba is prohibited from being in the presence of any non-native person (Isichei, 1976).
In the view (Isichei, 1976), Igwe Festival was initiated in the 14th century during the reign of Oba Ewuare I, who reigned in Benin between 1440 and 1473. The Igwe festival however now consists of several other festivals put together by Oba Akenzua II. This is because he wanted the festival to last for a couple of days and the Igwe festival has become terminal port for many other festivals celebrated by the Edo people.
Benin history and civilization is replete with ceremonies and festivals that continue to excite scholastic attention in contemporary times.
According to Egharevba, (2005); The Benin have very many festivals celebrated in different parts of the Benin kingdom. They include: Amaza festival, Eho festival, Ekaba festival, Ikpoleki festival, Ihiekhu festival, Isiokuo festival, Ovia masquerade festival, and the Igwe or Ague festival which was being celebrated when the Phillip Party came in violation of the kingdom in January 1897. There are many more festivals and ceremonies celebrated by the Benin's but there is none that is as important and widely celebrated as Igwe. This is perhaps so because of its popularity. In this regard, Izevbigie again notes that Igwe has taken not only the central stage but it has erroneously been subsumed to be the umbrella of the annual Benin palace festivals (Anigbo, 2010). Another reason why Igwe ceremony has assumed such prominence is that it the only traditional festival that is celebrated throughout the Benin speaking parts of Edo state with pomp and ceremony. (Anigbo, 2010) corroborates the above when he posits that Igwe ceremony is an annual and national festival of thanksgiving of the entire Benin people. It is the most universal amongst the festivals in the kingdom and no doubt forms the heart and soul of Edo nationalism. The festival is deeply rooted in their culture. (Anigbo, 2010) asserts that culture is the permanent bridge in life’s time continuum. It links the past with the present, and illuminates the future. (Anigbo, 2010) further posits that: Culture defines a people’s mileposts in the journey to the Promised Land. It is both the mark and marker of civilization. It expresses the collective persona of a people , defines their values, the highs and the lows, lubricates their habits and attitudes, demonstrates their collective will, structures their enforcement processes, and their systems of reward and sanction. With the present day geopolitical arrangement, the Benin speaking people are predominantly found in the southern part (Edo south) whilst the Esan and the Etsako are in the majority in the central and northern parts respectively. Edo south comprises of seven local government areas. These include: Oredo, Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, Orhiomwon, Urhunmwonde, Ovia South-West, and Ovia North-East. All the dukedoms, major towns and villages in these seven local government areas partake in the Igwe ceremony annually. Every community the world over has its own sense of appreciating its art – performance. Central to this is that what is considered artistic performance emerges in a variety of situations within each community. (Achebe, 1958) captures this essence when he defines performance as: The whole constellation of events that takes place in both performers and audience from the time the first spectator enters the field of performance where the theatre takes place to the time the last spectator leaves.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The Igwe Festival of Benin is a significant cultural celebration that showcases the rich heritage and traditions of the Benin people. However, despite its importance, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the theatrical elements that characterize this festival. Specifically, there is a need to investigate the ways in which music, dance, costuming, masking, and drama are used to convey cultural meaning and identity during the Igwe Festival. (Achebe, 1958).
1.3 Objective of the study
The following objectives guard the study:
1. To examine the cultural significance of the Igwe Festival in Benin society.
2. To analyze the theatrical elements of the festival, including music, dance, and drama.
3. To investigate the impact of the festival on community building and social cohesion.
1.4 Rationale for the study
The Igwe Festival is a significant cultural celebration of the Edo people, offering a unique window into their rich cultural heritage. Despite its importance, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the festival, particularly in terms of its cultural significance, theatrical elements, and community impact.
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The significant of this work is that it will serve as an additional source of material to other scholars who want more information on the given topic.From the cultural point of view, the Igwe festival in the pre-colonial period proved to be a period to display the unique cultural heritage of the people, and during this period of celebrations, Benin traditional regalia and beating of the royal drums was usually displayed.
Music Curriculum Planners: For music curriculum planners, the findings of this research would offer valuable insights into the essential skills that should be integrated into music education programmes.
Prospective Researchers: The findings of this study would serve as a foundational piece for prospective researchers interested in exploring the intersections of music education, emotional intelligence, and academic achievement. It would open avenues for further investigation into how these variables interact across different educational contexts and populations.
Regulatory Bodies: The study's findings will have important implications for individuals in charge of monitoring the festival to avoid harm and lose of life/valuables. The study's data can be used to inform the creation of legislation, regulations.
1.6 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This study adopt qualitative research approach, focusing on the literature combining ethnographic observations, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions to gather data and sociological strands.
1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This study investigates the theatrical elements in Igwe festival of benin. The research focuses on the following aspects:
1. Cultural Significance: The study examines the historical and cultural context of the Igwe Festival, its importance in Benin society, and its role in preserving Benin traditions.
2. Theatrical Elements: The research analyzes the various theatrical elements of the festival, including music, dance, drama, and masquerades.
3. Community Impact: The study investigates the impact of the festival on community building, social cohesion, and cultural identity. This study focuses on the Igwe Festival as celebrated in Edo State, Nigeria, which is the heartland of Benin culture.
1.8 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
This research work is not free of limiting factors. The researcher was constrained by the following factors:
FINANCE: The meager fund at the disposal of the researcher constrained her from extending the research to other festivals that would have been visited by the researcher if not for this constraint.
Time Factors: Lack of time to visit study area regularly, and short schedule for the research work.
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