Philosophy, History, Intentionality and Abiodun Akinsiku’s Interpretation Of Obaseki’s Idia

Emmanuel Ebere Uzoji

doi:10.56062/

Authors

Emmanuel Ebere Uzoji Department of Performing Arts and Film Studies Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56062/

Keywords:

Historicism, Philosophy, Feminism, Stagecraft, Directing .

Abstract

History has formed an essential laboratory for investigating the contentions of the human race overtime by dramatists across the globe. In Africa and in indeed Nigeria, playwrights and directors have applied their crafts to historiography and exploration of contemporary discourses thus adding their own voice to the appreciation and understanding of the dynamics of history and philosophy. This study takes a cursory look into these aspects of reality and brings to fore these dynamics in the staging of ideology in modern Nigeria. Using Abiodun Akinsiku’s interpretation of Don Pedro Obaseki’s Idia as performed at Lead City’s University, Ibadan 2018 convocation play - the study finds a seeming fluidity in the performance and interpretation of history. Events of the past will matter again and only by telling and retelling of history will humanity confront the challenges of its present existence. The paper thus concludes that present ideologies are echoes of history and despite the controversies surrounding the accuracy of certain historical figures and events, playwrights and directors not only have an immense role to play in demystifying historical mythologies to explain phenomena but to also give amplification to the voice of ideologues on issues in every society.

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