Nigerian newspapers reportage of theatre performances (2014-2016): problems and prospects

Abstract

Notwithstanding that the 21st century is an information age, dramatic stage performance is not getting all the publicity that would make it more attractive, bring attention to it, make it alluring and reposition theatre arts in the league of major entertainment events in the world. Flipping through the pages of newspapers will prove that stage performances are not receiving the desired attention which should be a thing of worry to theatre practitioners and lovers of stage drama. Ironically, Theatre Arts departments in different Universities in Nigeria have produced enough manpower that represents the art in the media circle. It has therefore become a challenge for Theatre graduates who by design or otherwise are working in the mass media industry to change the tide and reposition their first profession. The lacuna is the need for this research which shall suggest how to remedy the situation, using the experiences of the media and theatre practitioners.