SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This dissertation, titled, Drama and Philosophy: A Study of Selected Texts Within the Ijaw Oral Tradition, aims to examine certain attributes and attitudes about the Ijaw, particularly the founding principles and core values rooted in their identity, which enables them to not only function effectively as a group but also to create a self-sustaining platform for continuity over a long period of time; values which are visibly present in their philosophy and which binds them together and keeps them as a cohesive unit, temporarily or permanently. The Ijaw people of Nigeria upon whom this study is concentrated have a huge reservoir of cultural philosophy that is affirmed in their life-work and other modes of existence. The dissertation aims to explore the various philosophical underpinnings of the Ijaw people as communicated, preserved and portrayed through their various forms of artistic production. This involves differing forms of performing arts such as dance and folklore, which are embedded in the theatrical performances which take place among the various sub-groups within this culture. The performing arts of the Ijaw people though very much projected in different forms would benefit from a continuous re-appraisal and explication as intended in this thesis for the benefit of posterity. While the different types of philosophy that the Ijaw people embrace has brought and bound them together over the centuries, drama is the ultimate defining mode and vehicle through which these philosophies and thought systems are articulated and communicated. Although, it will be a futile task to attempt to compound everything about Ijaw culture into a single thesis, drawing on and evaluating the selected texts within the oral tradition enables us to come to terms with the Ijaw worldview in a sustained manner and gives us some interesting insights into their worldview, material and spiritual cosmogony.