THE YORUBA THEATRE FROM RELIGIOUS AND RITUALISTIC PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Many available studies on Nigerian drama and theatre attribute their development in the country to rituals, religion and festivals.
In a more specific submission, Ogunbiyi (ed.) (1981 & 2014) opines that the Nigerian theatre and drama, especially the
traditional Yoruba theatre, developed or evolved through vast religious festivals and rituals which are rooted in the culture and
tradition of the people in the country. To this end, this study tends to probe into the ritualistic background of traditional Yoruba
theatre so as to ascertain the extent to which it has been influenced by rituals over the period of time. In doing this, the study will
employ the theory and concept of Vicky-Ann Cremona (2007) in Festivalising Process (2007) and Festivals as Poly-Systems,
proposed by Temple Hauptfleisch (2007).