SOCIAL INTERVENTION, COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH OBONG ITAM COMMUNITY THEATRE PROGRAMMES

Abstract

Drama has long been a powerful tool for social commentary and cultural development over the years. Community theatre for instance offers a unique platform for exploring local issues and creating arts that reflect the specific social realities of the community. This paper reports on the role of drama as a tool for social intervention and cultural development using the Obong Itam Community Theatre Experience conducted by facilitators from the Department of Theatre and Film Studies, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria in May, 2023. Using a qualitative approach involving participatory action research (PAR), the paper examines how community theatre can address social issues, promote positive change and enhance cultural development. This paper further aims to highlight the knowledge gaps in longitudinal research, mechanisms of influence, contextual variability, and integrative approaches, specifically examining how community theatre intersects with other interventions to produce sustainable impact in the community. This study employs qualitative research methodology in order to gain a deeper understanding of the topic and adopts storytelling, observation and improvisation as its research design. By illuminating the unique strategies and perceived contributions of Obong Itam community theatre, this study offers valuable insights for future research on community theatre as a tool for social intervention in similar African contexts