Abstract: The influence of digital technology in Nigerian theatrical performances happens to be often used for the sake of entertainment and publicity but not as an integral part of directing or playmaking. Migration encounters this new media approach to directing Nigerian plays where audiences in the diaspora can always have a feel of their cultural identity, in the pieces of rituals and customs when watching stage performances in the digital space. African traditional theatre can be performed in any space and still be given a global view with the aid of digital live-streaming devices and YouTube. Therefore, this paper shall be taking a broad exposition into inquiring if the knowledge of digital media can be applied to the African understanding of theatre and the representation of old age as a disability in performances. Also, do African countries have what it takes to imbibe the digital culture, and what does it take to get Africans especially the aged audiences to benefit from this? Data is collected from selected African stage performances on YouTube to consider the indices that will foster transitions from traditional to digital performance modes. This research is pivotal to the artistic application of multimedia as a tool in solving the misrepresentation of old age on stage. The paper draws the attention of theatre practitioners, theorists, academics, students, activists, and policymakers, on the issue of migration and identity crisis through the stereotypical depiction of aged characters on stage.
Keywords: Ageism, Old Age and Disability, Global Performance, African Total Theatre, Migration, Identity Crisis, New and Emerging Media, Digital Performance, YouTube.
Title: Migration and Identity Crisis: The Interplay between African Theatre and Emerging Media to the (Mis) Representation of Old Age as Disability in Performances
Author: Damian P. Enyaosah, Musiliat Ozavize Usman
International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations
ISSN 2348-1218 (print), ISSN 2348-1226 (online)
Vol. 12, Issue 1, January 2024 - March 2024
Page No: 63-68
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 18-March-2024
