ABSTRACT

The usefulness of performances in communicating and bringing about change in behavioural patterns and development in our present day society cannot be underrated. Overtime, local performance groups have engaged in the use of drama/performances to address social vices within communities. The successes or otherwise of these engagements constitute the focal point of this study. This research assessed the social relevance of performances in Gamji Cultural and Dramatic Club having three objectives and three research questions which centred on an examination on the effectiveness of performances in Gamji club, analysis of five performances done in the club and to ascertain the perceptions of members of the community about the club. In order to underpin the study‟s assertion, Augusto Boal‟s theory of the forum theatre was adopted based on its position which allows the audience to examine various underlying forces behind lived experiences and proffer solutions where necessary. To achieve the set objectives research instruments such as interview, questionnaire and focus group discussion was used, where 170 copies of questionnaires were responded to by members of samara community. Lecturers of the Department of Theatre and Performing Arts and executive members of Gamji Club were interviewed. Despite the fact that Gamji clubmakes use of performances as a non-formal learning approach where people who have a common interest in a subject or trade gather together to educate themselves in a somewhat structured way, the findings of this research indicates that Gamji club do not practice what they portray in their performances and this gave rise to the perception of some members of the community that Gamji is a harbour for people who live below societal norms and standards. It is therefore recommended that Gamji club should put in more effort at curbing the behaviour of some of its members in other to be more effective. Furthermore, some of their performances should be properly documented in order to enhance their productivity, and recognition among members of the societ

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CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction

Every human culture in the world seems to create stories as a way of making sense of the

world. Although this is found in human culture, the interpretations, themes, genres and styles

of storytelling around the world differ from culture to culture. Thus, to fully underst