Project Abstract

The National Theatre is an essential institution in many countries, serving as a cultural hub for the performing arts. This research project delves into the rich history of National Theatres around the world, exploring their origins, development, and significance in society. The history of National Theatres can be traced back to the 18th and 19th centuries when many countries established these institutions as symbols of national identity and cultural pride. These theatres were often built with grand architecture and served as venues for showcasing the country's artistic talent. National Theatres played a crucial role in shaping the cultural landscape of their respective countries. They provided a platform for local playwrights, actors, and directors to showcase their work, fostering a sense of national unity and identity among the population. These theatres also served as important venues for political and social commentary, with many productions addressing pressing issues of the time. Over the years, National Theatres have adapted to changing societal norms and artistic trends. They have continued to evolve as centers for artistic excellence, offering a diverse range of performances to cater to changing audience tastes. Many National Theatres have also expanded their outreach efforts, offering educational programs, community events, and collaborations with other cultural institutions. Despite facing challenges such as funding cuts and changing audience demographics, National Theatres remain vital institutions in the cultural life of many countries. They continue to serve as beacons of artistic excellence, preserving the heritage of the performing arts while also embracing innovation and experimentation. This research project aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the history of National Theatres, highlighting their cultural, social, and artistic significance. By examining the origins and development of these institutions, this project seeks to shed light on the enduring legacy of National Theatres and their continued relevance in the modern world. Through a detailed exploration of case studies from different countries, this research project will offer insights into the diverse ways in which National Theatres have shaped and been shaped by the cultural landscapes in which they exist. By examining the historical context in which these institutions were established and the impact they have had on society, this project will contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of National Theatres in fostering creativity, diversity, and cultural exchange.

Project Overview

Theatre arose as a performance of ritual activities that did not require initiation on the part of the spectator. This similarity of early theatre to ritual is negatively attested by Aristotle, who in his Poetics defined theatre in contrast to the performances of sacred mysteries: theatre did not require the spectator to fast, drink the kykeon, or march in a procession; however theatre did resemble the sacred mysteries in the sense that it brought purification and healing to the spectator by means of a vision, the theama. The physical location of such performances was accordingly named theatron. According to the historians Oscar Brockett and Franklin Hildy, rituals typically include elements that entertain or give pleasure, such as costumes and masks as well as skilled performers. As societies grew more complex, these spectacular elements began to be acted out under non-ritualistic conditions. As this occurred, the first steps towards theatre as an autonomous activity were being taken

In Nigeria some early artifacts which were collected by K.C. Murray and some excavations which revealed the Nok, Igboukwu and Ife artifacts to mention but a few gave insight into the rich heritage of Art objects, religion and cultural practices which made the society a dynamic socio-cultural religious entity.

The ancestors of the Nigerian ethnic groups bequeathed objects especially sculptural forms in wood, metal, ivory and terracotta. According to Eze (2008) “These materials were used by early sculptors using simple tools and hands to turn them into sculptural pieces.” Symbolism was the driving force which produced the art works that were used for utility, religious worship and the development of the ethnic groups.

Art, religion and the development of Nigerian ethnic group is not separated from each other. They complement each other and keep the traditional society going and alive.

Anyachonkeye (2006) states:Our people are guided by their ethos, the things they value and revere. They are firm believers in their cultural heritage the things that hold and bind them together. The norm and moral ethics cannot be extricated from their material and non-material culture-morals, religion, food habit, dialect, values system and others.

Many Nigerian traditional ethnic groups in effect practiced art and religion in order to communicate with their gods because of their belief in the human soul and spirit which are ever at work. Some of these gods were worshipped in shrines with art objects. This kept the societies intact and developed