Abstract—This paper is the outcome of an indigenous study
in theatre arts that was carried out in the traditional society of
Idoma in central Nigeria. In this study, it was discovered that
theatre is an active grid in the Idoma social and religious
systems. Space, stage and the earth are fundamental elements
that are very important aspects of Idoma theatre practice. This
paper discusses the utilitarian values of ancestors in
accomplishing life aspirations among the Idoma people. It has
studied Idoma theatre both as media and as processes of
articulating the link between worldview and everyday living
systems. In carrying the research the paper employed a
qualitative approach to methodology. We employed interviews,
used available literatures and participation observation to
collect the data for this research. The paper showed that theatre
can serve as tool for social cohesion as well as source of
historical records. It showed that apart from providing
entertainment and recreation, theatre can contribute to social
development through the sustenance of collective approach,
which enhances teamwork and group participation to achieve
supportive goals. The study found that many researchers have
abandoned academic inquiry in traditional theatre studies. As a
result, much research needs to be done particularly in the area
of African masquerade theatres.
Index Terms—Reincarnation, space, masquerade,
mythology.
Ted Anyebe is with the Department of Theatre Arts, Benue State
University, Makurdi, Nigeria (e-mail:anyebeted@gmail.com).
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Cite: Ted Anyebe, " Reincarnation in Ritual Display: A Discourse of the Alekwu Mythopoeia in Idoma Traditional Dramaturgy," International Journal of Social Science and Humanity vol. 5, no. 6, pp. 578-582, 2015.