AKWA IBOM STATE UNIVERSITY JOUNAL OF ARTS

This essay examines the usefulness of technology to theatre practice in a digital age. This becomes imperative as the Nigerian Theatre milieu continues to struggle to maintain patronage due to dwindling audience response. The use of multimedia applications allow for the digital integration of texts, graphics, audio, still images, animations and motion videos in a way that provides the performer high-level control and interaction and leaves audiences desirous of more of such technoperformances. This investigation uses the Qualitative Approach to explore the effect of multimedia infusions (of screen to stage) in select experimental productions - Ifure Ufford-Azorbo’s Beyond my Scars, staged in the Model Theatre Studio (MTS) University of Uyo, Dan Kpodoh’s interpretation of Ola Rotimi’s The gods are not to Blame presented at The Arena in Port Harcourt and VickyBon Uzuazor’s Diary of a Pastor’s Wife staged in Akwa Ibom State University Pinnacle Theatre. This study is underpinned by Post-postmodernism (Metamodernism), the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Diffusion of Innovations Model (DIM) propounded by Everett Rogers. In its findings, the integration of multimedia to stage productions enhances the aesthetic and communicative value of theatrical presentations, therefore capable of satisfying new audiences for wider reception in the Nigerian theatre milieu. This paper recommends the creative and consistent use of multimedia as standard of practice for the reinvigoration of theatre productions in Nigeria.

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