Project Abstract

Theatre has always been an art form that relies on creativity, innovation, and expression. However, in today's digital age, the intersection of theatre and copyright law has become increasingly complex. This research project aims to explore the various issues that arise at this intersection, including the protection of theatrical works, the rights of playwrights, directors, actors, and producers, as well as the challenges posed by new technologies and digital platforms. One of the key aspects of theatre and copyright law is the protection of theatrical works. Copyright law grants playwrights the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and perform their works. This protection is crucial for ensuring that playwrights are able to control how their works are used and to receive fair compensation for their creative efforts. However, the question of what constitutes a "work" in the context of theatre is not always straightforward. For example, does copyright protection extend to the script, the staging of the play, or the performance itself? These are complex issues that require careful consideration and analysis. In addition to protecting theatrical works, copyright law also governs the rights of various individuals involved in the production of a play. Directors, actors, designers, and producers all have rights that are protected under copyright law. For example, directors have the right to control the direction and staging of a play, while actors have the right to control their performances. Understanding and respecting these rights is essential for ensuring that all individuals involved in a theatrical production are able to fully realize their creative vision. Furthermore, the rise of new technologies and digital platforms has presented new challenges for theatre and copyright law. The digital distribution of theatrical works, live streaming of performances, and the use of virtual reality in theatre productions raise important questions about how copyright law should adapt to these new forms of expression. Balancing the need to protect the rights of creators with the desire to foster innovation and creativity in the theatre industry is a complex and ongoing challenge. In conclusion, the intersection of theatre and copyright law is a rich and multifaceted area that requires careful consideration and analysis. By exploring the issues related to the protection of theatrical works, the rights of individuals involved in theatre productions, and the challenges posed by new technologies, this research project aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of how copyright law can support and promote creativity in the theatre industry.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Theatre arts as a discipline has been taught over the years in higher institution as an art ,but little or no attention has been given to the legal perspective of the discipline.

Law relates to every discipline including theatre arts. Law is a body of rules enacted to guard, guide and regulate human conduct in any society. Law is about human beings and theatre on the other hand deals with human beings .Both disciplines are concerned with the social life of the people. Oscar Brockett The Theatre an Introduction observes that “Theatre has been considered by, at least some segment of society, to be one of the most effective tools available to human beings in their attempt to understand themselves and their world” (1979:4)

Mineke Schnipper (1982:95) asserts that:

Modern drama attempts to hold a mirror to a people in which they can examine the world. Dramatic expression can serve to order and control society to ensure the survival of the species and modify and influence the society positively for the desired change.

From the above it means that theatre shows the people how they are, how they ought to be, and how to go about becoming what they ought to be. Law on the other hand stipulates sanctions and regulate human conduct so that the society can become what it ought to be, to achieve societal cohesiveness and social harmony.

Law and theatre complement each other in the people’s quest for meaningful co-existence. Both disciplines share same goal which is the perpetuation of a well cultured society in which every member seeks to maintain the norms and values by which the society is identified.

To this end the essence of knowing the law is for the theatre artiste to know his right and the bounds within which he can operate in order not to infringe in another person’s right and also to know when his right has been infringed upon. Knowing the law also makes the theatre artiste know the choice to make to protect his right and what remedy to seek when any wrong has been occasioned against him.

1.2 Objectives of the Study

This study seeks to achieve the following objectives:

1.3 Rationale for the Study

The law and the theatre are synonymous in relation to their functions. The law is meant to be executed on defaulting members of the society while theatre mirrors the society. Both are concerned with the socio-political life of the people.

It is paramount for the theatre artiste and every citizen to note the extent of his right as well as where others begin. Several researches have been done in the theatre but not much attention has been given to its law. Hence this study seeks to fill the gap

1.4 Significance of the Study

This study is an in-exhaustive one and it is significant to Nigeria citizens especially theatre artiste because it tends to create awareness of the copyright law, what it entails and the punishable measures meted on defaulters. It equally serves as a source of research to other scholars who may want to delve into the same area of study.

1.5 Methodology of the Study

In this research work, the literary methodology which is also known as analytical method is exclusively used. This is because most of the findings are from printed materials, textbooks, journals etcetera. In addition the historical methodology is used to tell the history of copyright, also documented in printed materials.

1.6 Scope of the Study

This research work discuses three areas of the law that directly affect the practice of theatre arts. The two areas of the law are; copyright law, piracy and plagiarism. This study discuses copyright in all its encompassment and it also covers plagiarism.

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