Overcoming the Challenges of Poor Architectural Planning in Nigerian Performance Spaces: The Outstanding Legacies of Duro Oni
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Date
2012
Authors
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Publisher
Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC)
Abstract
Ideal theatre structures in Nigeria are few. Consequently, the phrase
performance spaces' best describes the majority of the stages where
drama is performed, whether in our academic institutions or other spaces
originally built for multipurpose uses. A number of theatre halls,
including 'arts theatres' in institutions of higher learning in Nigeria, fall
into this category. This trend, whether consciously or unconsciously, is a
neglect of the professional environment required for theatre practice.
Ignorance of what the practice entails is only one reason among the many
that account for these shortcomings. In this regard, the contributions of
Duro Oni towards correcting some of these anomalies and raising them to
acceptable standards for events or theatre performances underscores the
need to involve professional theatre designers in theatre planning. The
uncompromising insistence on basic standards in his project has become
not only crucial departures from existing norms but also milestones in
indigenous theatre consulting. This article addresses the need fora policy
that can mandate the body of architects and builders to embrace
academic "theatre consultants" with a track record of professional
practice, pending the time a body of chartered theatre consultants will be
registered in Nigeria.
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Keywords
Architectural planning, Performance spaces, Lighting design, Theatre consultancy