Journal of Development Communication And Applied Theatre

This study undertakes a critical appraisal of Femi Osofisan’s dramatic compositions, focusing on the interplay of themes, techniques, and socio-political engagement in his works. Recognized as one of Nigeria’s most innovative dramatists, Osofisan employs theatre as a medium for reflecting societal realities, interrogating governance, and promoting civic consciousness. The research adopts a qualitative design rooted in textual and performance analysis, examining selected plays for recurrent motifs, narrative strategies, and performance techniques. Secondary sources, including scholarly articles, theatre reviews, and critical essays, are utilized to contextualize Osofisan’s dramaturgy within Nigerian, African, and global theatrical traditions. The findings reveal that Osofisan’s dramas are dominated by themes such as oppression, corruption, inequality, resistance, and social justice, reflecting Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. His dramaturgical techniques, including the adaptation of Yoruba oral traditions, Brechtian methods, and episodic storytelling, engage audiences in critical reflection and participatory awareness. Furthermore, his works significantly contribute to the development of Nigerian and African theatre by integrating indigenous and international performance strategies, enriching both practice and pedagogy. Osofisan’s plays maintain relevance to contemporary socio-political challenges, addressing issues such as youth marginalization, civic apathy, and systemic corruption. The study concludes that Osofisan’s theatre functions as both an artistic and civic enterprise, bridging aesthetic innovation with social critique. It recommends the integration of his works into theatre education, the promotion of participatory and hybrid performance techniques, systematic documentation of Nigerian dramaturgy, and sustained institutional support for theatre as a tool for social transformation. Overall, Osofisan’s oeuvre exemplifies the transformative potential of African theatre in addressing societal concerns.

Open Full Text (PDF)