Popular theatre as integration and conscientization: the example of the Katsina-ala (Nigeria) project
Abah, O.S.
IFDA Dossier, International Foundation for Development Alternatives 48: 3-14
1985
Document Number: 497540
A description and analysis is provided of a 'popular theatre for development' workshop held in Nigeria. In the village presented, participants from outside first interviewed the people so as to define with them their problems: relations between men and women; water; fertilizers; administration; middlemen.. Then they worked out a first scenario, tested it with the people, and largely revised it. The evaluation section of the paper explains some choices made by the participants (such as trying to promote a spirit of local self-reliance) and throws light on the purpose of the exercise. Finally, the shortcomings of the project are discussed, including the difficulties of ensuring full participation by the people concerned.