Theatre As Business
The theatre, which means a structured performance before an audience, used to be a dithyrambic song: free people singing in an open space.
In Africa, it could be traced to the various traditional festivals in various parts of the continent.
Unfortunately, the ruling classes capitalized on the potent of the theatre as an effective instrument of domination.
Borrowing a leaf from the Aristotelian theatre, they therefore used theatre to reduce critical consciousness in the proletariats, making them to accept the predefined status quo in the society.
The status quo is the one that represents the interest of the ruling class oligarchy.
Thus, in their theatre, the protagonist experience catastrophe which leads to catharsis on the spectators.
Plays of such are capitalist in nature.
Concurrently, the theatre has grown beyond the cathartic stage.
It is now business.
Every practitioner of theatre is delving into money making venture, which is rampant in the Home Video production.
The advent of film production is causing a serious problem to theatrical performances in Africa.
From stage to the screen is a blow to African modern theater (life performance).
Nevertheless, that is the new trend.
Theatre is business and its practitioners must aim at making money whether on stage or screen.
Gone are the days when wives were used to compensate performers.
Actors now deserve full payment for their performances.
That should not undermine the professionalism of the Arts.
The problem of professionalism of Theatre in relation to its commercial drive should be handled with care.
For business to thrive there has to be a good product.
Nollywood is currently facing the issue of professionalism.
Commercial businessmen, who have no knowledge of the theatre are handling the business of the theatre, in this case, film production and the resultant effects is disastrous as they embark on low budget films, hoping to make huge amount of money in return, thereby making actors and crewmen to live under their whims and caprices.
The situation of Nollywood is really alarming and therefore need immediately intervention The argument therefore is that, theatre is a money-making venture which can be effective with a good and quality performance.
Since the home video has taken over theatrical performances in Africa, especially Nigeria, there is therefore urgent need to sanitize the industry in order to have quality production.
This would enable both actors and producers as well as crew members to enjoy the arts and the resultant benefits.
Laws should be passed and effectively implemented on who to produce film and what film to be produced in Africa.
Ignoring this fact could be a hindrance to the business of the Arts in Africa.
In Africa, it could be traced to the various traditional festivals in various parts of the continent.
Unfortunately, the ruling classes capitalized on the potent of the theatre as an effective instrument of domination.
Borrowing a leaf from the Aristotelian theatre, they therefore used theatre to reduce critical consciousness in the proletariats, making them to accept the predefined status quo in the society.
The status quo is the one that represents the interest of the ruling class oligarchy.
Thus, in their theatre, the protagonist experience catastrophe which leads to catharsis on the spectators.
Plays of such are capitalist in nature.
Concurrently, the theatre has grown beyond the cathartic stage.
It is now business.
Every practitioner of theatre is delving into money making venture, which is rampant in the Home Video production.
The advent of film production is causing a serious problem to theatrical performances in Africa.
From stage to the screen is a blow to African modern theater (life performance).
Nevertheless, that is the new trend.
Theatre is business and its practitioners must aim at making money whether on stage or screen.
Gone are the days when wives were used to compensate performers.
Actors now deserve full payment for their performances.
That should not undermine the professionalism of the Arts.
The problem of professionalism of Theatre in relation to its commercial drive should be handled with care.
For business to thrive there has to be a good product.
Nollywood is currently facing the issue of professionalism.
Commercial businessmen, who have no knowledge of the theatre are handling the business of the theatre, in this case, film production and the resultant effects is disastrous as they embark on low budget films, hoping to make huge amount of money in return, thereby making actors and crewmen to live under their whims and caprices.
The situation of Nollywood is really alarming and therefore need immediately intervention The argument therefore is that, theatre is a money-making venture which can be effective with a good and quality performance.
Since the home video has taken over theatrical performances in Africa, especially Nigeria, there is therefore urgent need to sanitize the industry in order to have quality production.
This would enable both actors and producers as well as crew members to enjoy the arts and the resultant benefits.
Laws should be passed and effectively implemented on who to produce film and what film to be produced in Africa.
Ignoring this fact could be a hindrance to the business of the Arts in Africa.
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