DRAMA THERAPY AND THE ENGAGEMENT OF APPLIED THEATRE TECHNIQUES FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Nigeria is no doubt a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious country. This complex status therefore portends a direct impact on the philosophies, ideologies and general way of life of its people. Principally among the points of societal debate is the issue of child education and development especially as it concerns children who suffer from various forms of disabilities. This paper takes another look at the various constructs associated with how children who suffer from mental or cognitive challenges in Nigeria are educated and catered for. The study underscores the engagement of applied theatre concepts such as Psychodrama and RehabDramatics as interventionist measures in promoting healthier psychosocial activities in challenged children as well as fostering more concerted efforts from stakeholders. The case study analysis instrument of the qualitative research method is adopted for this inquiry. An applied theatre project titled, Be Kind is analysed as the primary source of data. The study finds that whereas, there are no full proof research outcomes or results in the engagement of the performing arts within other spheres of societal concerns; especially in a country as diverse as Nigeria, concepts such as Psychodrama and RehabDramatics provide potential research planes for the continued probe into the relationship between drama and society.