(EKPOMA JOURNAL OF THEATRE AND MEDIA ARTS, 2013-09) Iwuh, John
The meaning of space is defined by the images contained in that space.
Creating scenery for the theatre as an indoor activity involves either the
creation of imaginary forms or the replication of existing images around the
creator's environment. These imported items include natural vegetation,
architecture, sculpture and ornamental crafts. Beyond the creation of box sets, representation of the external environment has featured prominently
on the African stage. However, the conscious use of artistic objects like
sculptural images of African gods and other handicrafts have also been
quite vocal. The combination of these forms not only speaks for themselves
as new artistic compositions of the designer but also for the religion, culture
and occupations of their creators and people. This article discusses the role
of objects of nature and the products of the allied arts in the creation of stage
scenery by African theatre designers, with special reference to the Nigerian
experience.