NKA EJIJE ỌDỊNALA IGBO NA MMEPE OBODO

Abstract

This research examined the styles in Igbo traditional drama. It pointed out the styles that are embedded in the traditional drama. Data for the research were collected through tape recording, oral interview and texts from libraries. Data were also collected through observations of traditional Igbo festivals and celebrations like initiations, masquerading, wrestling, divination, rituals etc. Semiotic theory was adapted for data analysis. Data were analyzed descriptively by analyzing the styles and linguistic expressions in Igbo drama. Findings showed that there are styles in the Igbo traditional drama. Findings also revealed other features in traditional Igbo drama like the performers and audience, there is discourse, costumes, and stages. It was also discovered that traditional Igbo drama requires lots of preparations and use figurative speeches to bring out it’s aesthetic values, performers bring out the aesthetic nature of the traditional drama through styles and figurative languages. It was also discovered that traditional drama has time, season and reason for their performances like (rainy season, dry season Eke, Orie Afo Nkwo), and the reason and significance of the celebration. Finally, it was observed that the traditional Igbo drama is always presented in Igbo language (dialects) from the beginning, middle and end. They also depict the cultural value/belief, custom and tradition of the Igbo.The study therefore recommends other researches to use different theories to analyse the Igbo traditional drama, bringing out other features of traditional Igbo drama for improvement and development of Igbo language and culture. The study further recommends that performers, spetector/audience of Igbo of traditional drama should put these stylistic and linguistics devices in use in order to promote peace and alleviate the problems of the society.