Mentor / Mentee Relationship and the Development of Technical Theatre in Nigeria: Dexter Lyndersay and Molinta Enendu in Focus

Abstract

Continuity and efficiency are both products of mentorship; being the relationship between a more experienced person generally referred to as mentor and the less experienced individual referred to as the mentee. The sole responsibility of a mentor is to provide support / guidance as well as valuable professional insight towards the development and success of the mentee. Therefore, this research aims at investigating how this relationship has so far contributed to the success or otherwise in the development of Technical Theatre practice in Nigeria and what should be done to strengthen the relationship for enhanced theatre practice in Nigeria. Adopting a qualitative approach, this study leans on the notions of Transformative Learning and Social Learning Theories. The paper argues that, for the sake of development, proficient and intentional mentor/mentee relationships are inevitable in the Nigeria theatre industry in particular and the creative industry in general. It emphasizes that positive and cordial mentorship remains a panacea for sustainable development in technical theatre practice. It suggests that introducing mentorship programmes into theatre curriculum could contribute to professional progression and individual development.