THE CHALLENGES OF DESIGNING EPIC PERFORMANCES FOR FLEDGLING UNIVERSITY-BASED THEATRES

Abstract

The economic situation of a university has a great influence on how theatre education is handled by the Theatre Department of the university. The university budget must be designed to enhance full interpretation of the university curriculum especially as it pertains to the study of theatre. However, where there is paucity of funds especially because the university is young, theatrical productions in the department cannot but suffer a setback. This is because effective theatre training requires funds. The aim of this study therefore is to observe the Theatre Department of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria as an example of this scenario with a view to suggesting innovative alternative solutions to the problem of sourcing for funds. The study capitalizes on alternative design templates that may be explored in the area of Theatre Design especially when handling epic plays. The departmental production of Ola Rotimi’s “The Gods are not To Blame” will also be explored experimentally.