STAND-UP COMEDY AS POPULAR ART AND THEATRICAL ENTERTAINMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Theatrical traditions are ever so dynamic. A particular form that is popular at a time soon gives way to another one, sometimes totally within that period, and sometimes, under a situation where the old form still competes for relevance with the new. In other words, throughout the history of theatre, from the classical traditions in Greece to the modern American social drama, one tradition has had to give way or give birth to another in a way which has made the development of theatre and theatrical entertainment, exciting and progressive.

In Nigeria, the history of the evolution of different entertainment forms and their development from the mainstream live theatre is not different from the patterns known elsewhere. The entertainment sector has been quite busy right from the theatrical beginnings of Hubert Ogunde and his Concert Party in the early 1940's, and the activities of Wole Soyinka's Orisun Theatre and the Mbari Mbayo Club of Ibadan in the late 1950's and early 1960's. This paper examines a new wave in theatrical entertainment known as "Stand-up Comedy". The essay takes a critical look at its origins and evolution, its impact on the Nigerian society, especially the theatrical entertainment scene; its prospects and the challenges that it might have to grapple with in the near future. The paper also examines its popularity vis-à-vis other forms of entertainment, with suggestions on how it can be consolidated and employed to enhance other genres, especially the live theatre.