PERSPECTIVES IN THE PRACTICE OF THEATRE FOR DEVELOPMENT: A CONCERN FOR AN IDEAL YOUTH THEATRE

Austin Chibueze Okeke

Department of Theatre and Film Studies

University of Nigeria, Nsukka

E-mail:austinchibueze@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

This essay examines a selection of literature on Theatre for Development (TfD) as well as the general perception of Youth Theatre. The choice for these two is first, to establish the various perspectives to the practice of Theatre for Development, which took its stem from Paulo Freire’s work Pedagogy of the Oppressed,and subsequently from Augusto Boal’s adaptive concept of “Theatre of the Oppressed.” These perspectives shall be examined as “Schools of Thought”. The aim will be to examine the practical mode of the concept as explored by certain practitioners in the field, highlight the strength of each practice and the extent of audience involvement. Secondly, effort shall be made to elicit an ideal format for a youth-based theatre. Lastly, the study shall recommend a highly participatory theatre which will be largely hinged on Boal’s perception of “Theatre of the Oppressed”.