ENSEMBLE THEATRE AND IT CHALLENGES

ABSTRACT

Theatre has remained one of the basic tools for exploring and expressing human feeling be it positive or negative. This is because the theatre is a collaborative art, rich in history and it speaks to our contemporary society since it mirrors human emotions, morality and fantasy. Play productions are a vital aspect of the theatre. The processes involved are not easily realizable especially when undertaken by students are in a typical Nigerian educational theatre such as the University of Benin Arts Theatre. As a matter of primary concern this work is an examination of Davidson Izeghagbe play Battle for Death in the University of Benin Theatre Arts. For an easy grasp the work is broken down into five detailed chapters. Chapter one covers the introduction: background of study, statement of problem, significance of the study, scope of the study, research methodology as well as brief definitions of terms. Chapter two presents an overview of Ensemble theatre, a study of the director, his functions and media; and a review on some major directing theories. Chapter three focuses on the textual analysis of the chosen play text: author’s biography and background; synopsis; plot and plot structure; character and characterization; style, setting and technique, genre and language; thematic thrust as well as the social relevance. Chapter four records the production processes: choice of script, audition and casting, budget, rehearsals, directorial concept and approach, and an appraisal of the student director’s production challenges. Chapter four concludes the work by presenting the summary, findings, recommendations and conclusion. This study is an examination of the various challenges that confront the student, and team members in an ensemble play production in the university/Educational theatre.