Dance as element of artistic synthesis in traditional Igbo festival theatre

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Periodical article

Title:	Dance as element of artistic synthesis in traditional Igbo festival theatre
Author:	Amankulor, James N.
Year:	1980
Periodical:	Okike: an African Journal of New Writing
Issue:	17
Pages:	84-95
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	Igbo dance folk drama
Abstract:	After having given some basic definitions of dance, theatre, and traditional Iqbo Festival theatre, the author turns to the implications of the dance/drama relationship In the traditional Igbo community. He explains the place of dance in traditional African theatrical expression through a discussion of the performance proper. Participation of the entire community in the performance is emphasized. The origins of the performances are usually deep-seated in the earliest religious, occupational, military, economic and other pursuits of the ancestors of the peoples now practising them. After having established the primacy of the art of dance in traditional theatrical presentation in Igholand, the author examines three festival dramas of the Ngwa-Igbo people: the Ekpe, Okonko, and Ikoro festival performances. Notes.