DRAMA AS A TOOL FOR SOCIAL ORIENTATION AND MOBILIZATION. A CASE STUDY OF WOLE SOYINKA'S A DANCE OF THE FOREST AND BEATIFICATION OF AREA BOY

ABSTRACT

This project entitled, Drama as a Tool for Social Orientation and Mobilization: A Case Study of Wole Soyinka's A Dance of the Forest and Beatification of Area Boy, is a study which sought to discover the influence of drama in the community. This work examined how drama can act as a tool for social reformation through social orientation and mobilization. The research made use of content analysis wherein the play texts were critically analyzed. Results showed that, drama through different ages, have not only been used as a medium of entertainment, but also a tool for enlightening, informing, and educating the masses. Different dramatists have been able to use drama as a weapon to combat socio-political problems plaguing the societies of their various times.  Thus, this shows that drama in itself, is a force to be reckoned with in the battle against corruption, it should not just be seen as a lifeless machine used for pleasure but as a mirror which showcases life itself. The study recommends that, the government and dramatists should work together to imbibe the vitality and importance of drama into the minds of the people as this will help them understand the world around them and mobilize them into working towards a better society.

Keywords: Drama, Social Orientation, and Social Mobilization.