THE UNSUNG HERO IN THE THEATRE: A CASE STUDY OF THE STAGE MANAGER IN JATTO GODSWILL’S ESOHE PRODUCTION

ABSTRACT

All human society strive for social excellence and cultural continuity. The theatre represents a veritable and potent medium for adequate and satisfying social enjoyment. But before the finished product of the theatre can be readily delivered to the end users (the audience) it has to go through a rigorous process of making and remaking. This very difficult and creative process is led by the stage manager. As a matter of fact, the stage manager can be likened to the chef who stays at the kitchen preparing a sumptuous meal. The theatre is no different from the chef, who brings different items and add them all together at the appropriate time. Ironically, whereas the chef is recognized and appreciated by those who eats and enjoy the delicacies, the stage manager's case is different. Nobody talks about the stage manager who is beginning and end of the production. This research endeavour attempts to uplift the stage manager and his duty in the art of play production. It also seems to disabuse the minds of the vast majority of the audience from underrating and downgrading the stage manager most especially during the curtain after a successful production. The production of ESOHE a play written by Godswill Jatto where this researcher function as the stage manager will be used as a case study.