CONCEPTUALIZATION OF SCENIC DESIGN: A STUDY OF ESIABA IROBI’S “THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MASK” IN NIGERIAN EDUCATIONAL THEATRE

Abstract

The stage picture depends to a great extent on the setting and costumes. The placement of doors, windows, and furniture allows some compositional patterns and impedes others. Thus, the ability of the designer to conceive ideas on the arrangement of scenic properties to conform with the playwright's ideas and the director's ideas creates a balance in the stage visual composition. This explores the conceptualization of scenic designs in Nigerian educational theater through an analysis of Esiaba Irobi’s play, “The Other Side of the Mask.” By examining the use of space, set elements, and visual aesthetics in the production, this study aims to uncover the ways in which scenic design contributes to the overall theatrical experience and educational goals in Nigerian theater. It also looks at the possibilities of an artistic or set designer creating effective designs and the aesthetic transformation of a play text. The paper equally suggests appropriate measures towards improving scenic design in Nigerian universities.