Creative Artist: A Journal of Theatre and Media Studies

Afrealism: A proposed indigenous directing style to decolonise African film narrative techniques

Akinola Abdul-Qaudir — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

It is a known fact that filmmaking is not an indigenous African performing art. Indeed, filmmaking is an imported entertainment art that became prevalent in Africa during the colonial era. However, despite the numerous transformations that African film narratives have witnessed, films produced in the region have not been disengaged from colonial influence/western ideology in the production process. This contrasts with play directing in Africa which has been enjoying series of theoretical and practical experimentations, and performance philosophies relating to indigenous directing styles and techniques from different African theatre scholars. Consequently, this paper is proposing Afrealism as a directing style for African films. By so doing, the contention of this paper is that if this style is adopted by African filmmakers, African films will enjoy originality instead of copying western directing style which is not the best to explore Africanism in our film productions. This style will also create a good model for the criticism of African films and portray our societal reality, culture and tradition in the best way possible.

Reimagining gender equation for national development in contemporary Nigeria

Tosin Kooshima Tume, Esther Abimbola-Omolara Emoruwa — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Gender discourse in Nigeria continues to command attention as there is a sustained scepticism on whether enough efforts are being put towards achieving genuine gender equity and equality. More so events in recent and not so recent times raise bold question marks on the feasibility of gender equity in the socio-economic cum political makeup of Nigeria as a nation. This foregrounds the argument of this article that the patriarchal sentiments that broach prejudice and marginalization of women and other types of men, are perpetrated in both private and public spaces in Nigeria. The study contends that such attitudes result in socio-cultural and political conditioning which hinders the pace of national development. The study adopts the qualitative and critique approach in its analysis; and concludes that empathy is the keyword towards achieving genuine gender equity and equality. It suggests that gender equality can only be achieved through honest and genuine scrutiny of development processes. It submits that more efforts should be put in place to formulate and implement policies that are inclusive for all genders within the Nigerian social space.

Interrogating film adaptation as another form of Neoslavery in Nollywood studies

Christopher Odey Akpa, Joseph Emeka Ukoha — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The rising profile of Nigeria Film today is indeed a product of critical thinking of both filmmakers and film scholars. This is not to lose sight of the huge contributions of literary/theatre practitioners and scholars who by their experiences on literary texts and stage craft have successfully transited from text/stage productions to screen arts. As Nigeria film production evolves, there are compelling needs to adapt some creative works with good narrative essence that speak to the socio-cultural tenets and the unity of Nigeria. This transitory engagement from stage experience into screen experimentation by early practitioners and scholars fit in considerably in Neoslavery discourse. Critically, film adaptation is the process of assessing/transforming an existing literary or theatrical text based on its original content, structure and relevance of a given interest, mostly from western perspective to a new space of need with or without a change in plot structure and title that is inducible. It is within this scope that the conceptual framework of the study is predicated on Gerard Genette’s transtextuality theory. The study hopes to examine and re-evaluate the relation or movement of one text to another and how creative experts in Nigeria film industry are influenced unconsciously to use adaptation as potent tool to perpetuate or impose other interest through textual interpretation and recreation on the others. There is therefore an attempt to focus on Bayo Adebowale’ Virgin and Tunde Kelani’s Narrow Path as one aspect of film adaptations that Nigerian filmmakers have successfully adapted. It is the submission of this paper that cultural rebirth, technological advancement and non-literary or non- narrative sources are the emerging trends that the new generation of filmmakers leverages on in lifting penetrative ideas from page/stage to screen. The study concludes that film adaptation is one resource material that paves the way for the voices of colonialists to be heard through Nollywood filmmakers.

Navigating ethical issues in Nigerian film locations: Insights from Ibadan's secular and Christian film productions

Florence Omolara Ayoola, Isaac Sanjo Ilori, Charles Alex Patrick — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the ethical dynamics of interactions between the opposite sexes in the Nigerian movie industry focusing on the non-Christian movie industry commonly referred to as Nollywood, and Christian movie ministry commonly known as Drama Ministry in Ibadan Oyo State, Nigeria. Through a comparative analysis, the research explores how different ethical frameworks shape professional conduct and gender relations in these two influential sectors. The research employed a mixed-method, combining quantitative and qualitative methods in gathering data. The quantitative component involves questionnaires administered to stakeholders such as movie producers, directors, screenwriters, actors, and editors as well as a few audiences in the Christian and non-Christian movie industry. The questionnaire focused on experience, values, challenges and perception. The qualitative component involved a semi-structured interview with film producers, directors and actors in Christian and non-Christian movie settings across Ibadan. The choice of Ibadan is necessitated by its size; generally regarded as the biggest city in Nigeria. The study revealed a need for improved ethical guidelines to foster safe and equitable working conditions in both Nollywood and Drama Ministries. This research offers valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and scholars interested in enhancing ethical standards and practices in Nigeria's entertainment sector.

Pathbreaking experimental and technological directing aesthetics in Kunle Afolayan’s October I

Tayo Simeon Arinde, Oluwasegun Funmise Faleyimu — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Nigerian film directors have in recent times taken film productions to the next level with various blockbusters and large-budget films made, using state-of-the-art audio-visual digital technologies to frame their narratives. Their cinematographic inventions have been responsible for the aesthetics that trail the new achievements, which culminated in the projected big screens in cinemas and at film festivals across the globe. It is on this premise that this study examines the directorial and performative experimentation of Kunle Afolayan in the film, October 1. This study employs descriptive and analytic methods of research, in which in-depth descriptive analyses of the various experimental approaches in the production of October 1 were used. The study finds that the directorial style used in the movie is indeed experimental in technological exploration, which is a departure from the usual styles employed by most Nigerian film makers. Again, the narrative method used in the film is a novel method of revealing mysterious stories by withholding pieces of information in a cinematographic work. The study concludes that the film October 1 is directorially unique based on the experimentations in cinematography and designs. It is therefore recommended that film directors should employ technology that will enable them to tell their film stories in a more fascinating manner that will remove boredom and monotony that have characterised most Nigerian movies.

Rethinking love, reexamining society: Femi Osofisan’s Love’s Unlike Lading and its implications for social discourse

Abdulmalik Adakole Amali, Victor Akogwu Omeje — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Nigeria is grappling with pervasive social issues, including corruption, lovelessness, political apathy, and exploitation. Despite government efforts to address these problems, they persist. This study examines Femi Osofisan's drama, Love's Unlike Lading as a catalyst for personal and societal transformation. The qualitative research design was adopted in the work as data was collected using the content analysis method. The study adopted Bertolt Brecht’s Epic Theatre as the theoretical framework. This is because the thrust of Epic Theatre is to re-awaken the consciousness of the audience. This research explores how the play's narrative arcs and character actions promote self-awareness and challenge societal norms. The objectives of this study are to analyse the drama as a social discourse, highlighting its potential to inspire change, and to demonstrate how theatre can be a powerful tool for restoring love and promoting social transformation. The study's findings underscore the capacity of drama to confront and address pressing societal issues, sparking necessary awareness. To amplify the play's impact, this research recommends staging performances in various settings to raise awareness about the destructive consequences of lovelessness and wickedness in society.

The contradictions of feminist advocacy in Efo Kodgo Mawugbe’s In The Chest of a Woman

Akaenyi Nkiruka Jacinta, Eziwho Emenike Azunwo — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study critically examines the contradictions inherent in feminist advocacy as seen in Efo Kodgo Mawugbe’s In The Chest of a Woman. While the primary goal of the playwright is to address the female question and advocate for women’s empowerment, the narrative structure and theme of the play highlights tensions between African feminist ideals and entrenched patriarchal norms. Through the portrayal of the female protagonist and her struggle for liberation within the socio-cultural context of the play, this study reveals how Mawugbe’s approach simultaneously critiques and reinforces cultural stereotypes about women. Furthermore, this paper situates the play within the broader framework of African feminist discourse, throwing light on the challenges of reconciling cultural traditions with advocacy for gender equality. This study concludes by interrogating the socio-cultural implications of these contradictions for feminist advocacy in African drama and the pursuit of social change. Finally, this study recommends that there is a need for African playwrights to reevaluate their perspectives on gender, culture and women’s empowerment.

The portrayal of domestic violence against men in Nollywood movies

Martha Ezike — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Domestic violence is an issue of global concern that threatens the peace of every society, thus this paper has grounded its analysis on both genders as victims, unlike many discourses that focus on women as victims thereby neglecting the male counterparts. The problem of this study dwells on the inadequate and one-sided portrayals of domestic violence Nollywood films which often project women as sole victims of domestic violence. The findings suggest that men go through domestic violence but stigma and fear of being called weaklings prevents them from reporting. The research recommends that with the spate of violence in the society, this is the time Nigerian filmmakers should project more issues on domestic violence with the aim of condemning such acts and encouraging peaceful harmonious existence between couples.

The semiotics, icons, and indices of the Opobo Nwaotam masquerade costume

Simialaye Godspower Okojaja — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the semiotics, icons, and indices of the Opobo Nwaotam masquerade costume, a significant cultural tradition in the Opobo Kingdom of Nigeria. The Nwaotam masquerade, with its captivating visual elements and deep-rooted symbolism, serves as a reflection of the Opobo people’s beliefs, values, and identity. The research delves into the various components of the costume, including the mask, headgear, attire, accessories, and body paintings, to uncover the intricate layers of meaning and cultural significance embedded within them. By exploring the semiotic elements, iconic representations, and indexical relationships present in the Nwaotam masquerade costume, this study aims to contribute to the understanding of the cultural ambiance and perspectives associated with this living tradition in southeastern Nigeria. The findings of this research provide insights into the historical evolution, spiritual connections, and sociocultural relevance of the Opobo Nwaotam masquerade, illuminating its pivotal role in preserving and transmitting the rich cultural heritage of the Opobo people.

Exploring copyright challenges of digital marketing in Nollywood using “Omoni Oboli TV”

Christopher Elochukwu Unegbu — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The quest to regulate filmmaking processes emanate from the premise that without copyright restrictions, operational chaos is inevitable. This is worsened by the evolving digital preference for speedy film production and distribution processes without recourse to the ethical implications of such to the national image, economy and the creative artists involved. The paucity of detailed researches on the effects of digital marketing to the copyright adherence processes in Nollywood’s digitally-based film-selling companies necessitates this study. This explains why the study focuses on Omoni Oboli Tv (a YouTube-based platform), to assess the challenges facing copyright compliance in a country with grossly limited digitally-inclined intellectual property protection processes. This study seeks to raise awareness regarding the persistent copyright infringement cases involving the Omoni Oboli Tv with the view of sensitising the appropriate regulatory authorities and practitioners on the dangers of not rejuvenating the Nigerian Copyright Act to reflect the existing realities of digitalized film marketing. This qualitative study adopts thematic interpretation to assess the infringement patterns identified in Omoni Oboli Tv. The study discovers that the analogue Nigerian Copyright Act limits the overwhelmed regulatory agencies thereby making them almost redundant in a digital era. The study recommends an urgent review of the Copyright Act in Nigeria to accommodate modern digital realities in a bid to reposition Nigeria’s international business image. Finally, there is an urgent need to revamp the existing Copyright Act to reflect to smoothen the ease of doing professional business while increasing the internally generated revenue for government.

Clothing as semiotic resistance: An appraisal of the Yoruba “Àmò̩té̩kùn” uniform.

Ruth Etuwe Epochi-Olise — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

As a result of incessant kidnapping, insecurity and killings by herdsmen presently in Nigeria, the Yoruba people constituted a security group Àmò̩té̩kùn; whose outfit signifies a visual and performative language of nonviolent resistance against the menace. This work investigates how clothing is used as resistive semiotics to redefine the insecurity challenges in the Southwest region. It examines how the Àmò̩té̩kùn clothing has the performative and semiotic power to suggest the social positioning within society and the fundamental shift associated with the positioning. This study explores clothing as semiotic resistance within the Àmò̩té̩kùn movement, using a multimethod approach. It aims to understand the cultural meanings, resistance narratives, and identity expressions embedded in the attire of the Àmò̩té̩kùn security outfit. The paper provides a framework with which the communicative power of clothing and how it transcends the limitations of language in multilingual Nigeria may be explored and discussed. Finally, it concludes that the potentiality for the use of clothing as a non-violence performative weapon in engaging social problems contributes to the dynamics of social transformations in Yoruba security and beyond.