ABSTRACT
This study explores the challenges and prospects of theatre management in a depressed economy, with a specific focus on the Igodomigodo African Dance Theatre Company in Benin City, Nigeria. Through interviews and literature reviews, the research identifies several challenges facing the company, including financial instability, inadequate facilities, limited rehearsal space, irregular sponsorship, and environmental constraints. Funding remains a significant barrier, with most resources coming from productions, and irregular sponsorship impeding the company's growth. The study also examines the broader impact of economic depression on Nigerian theatre and the strategies used by theatre companies to navigate these difficulties.
A notable finding from the interviews with Mr. Osengwie, the director of Igodomigodo African Dance Theatre Company, is the reliance on internal funding sources, with insufficient government and private sector support. The impact of this financial instability is visible in the company's limited capacity for expansion and infrastructural upgrades. Additionally, the study explores how reduced foreign aid, worsened by global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, has affected the theatre's financial health, leading to a reduction in the number of performances and resources for production.
Despite these challenges, the research indicates that theatre plays a significant role in preserving culture and engaging the community. The ability of the Igodomigodo African Dance Theatre Company to adapt its management strategies is crucial in maintaining its commitment to cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion, even during economic downturns. The study concludes by suggesting that theatre companies explore alternative funding sources, such as aggressive marketing and sponsorship, to sustain their operations.
