Authors
-
Adewumi Olusola John
Centre for Socially Engaged Theatre, University of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Author
-
Iheanacho Chukwuma Iweha
Department of Theatre Arts at the Federal University of Education, Zaria, Nigeria
Author
-
Sadiya Abubakar
Baze University, Abuja, Nigeria
Author
Keywords:
Ethics, Applied theatre, Youth Unemployment, Child Sexual Abuse
Abstract
This paper examines the ethical and cultural considerations of conducting research and community theatre projects on sensitive issues in Northern Nigeria. Focusing on two field interventions, it explores designing a communication strategy for child sexual abuse in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and utilizing Theatre for Development (TfD) to address out-of-school children and youth unemployment in Zaria, Kaduna State. In these communities, ethical landscapes are shaped primarily by Hausa cultural norms and Islamic practices, rather than a homogeneous regional identity. Negotiating these dynamics required strict ethical standards during data collection, field performance, and reportage. The study concludes that communicating sensitive topics through applied theatre must be culturally attuned and professionally executed to overcome community barriers. It recommends specialized training for practitioners to navigate complex ethical dynamics during theatrical performances without triggering cultural conflict.
Author Biographies
-
Adewumi Olusola John, Centre for Socially Engaged Theatre, University of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Olusola John is a theatre researcher and a Postdoc Fellow at the Centre for Socially Engaged Theatre (C-SET), Media, Arts and Performance, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. He received a PhD in Theatre and Performing Arts from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Nigeria. His research interests include African Theatre and Performance; Cultural Studies; Creative Economy; Applied Theatre; Post-Colonial Studies; Dramatic Literature and Criticism; and Inflight Entertainment. Sola John is researching the intersection of aviation, entertainment, and culture; performing artists and emotional intelligence; and artists and data management on the prairie.
-
Iheanacho Chukwuma Iweha, Department of Theatre Arts at the Federal University of Education, Zaria, Nigeria
Dr. Iheanacho Chukwuma Iweha is a Lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts at the Federal University of Education, Zaria. His background spans television, theatre, film studies, and education. He holds a PhD in Dramatic Literature and Criticism, an MA in playwriting, and a BA in theatre arts from the University of Jos, alongside television production and education diplomas. Dr. Iweha’s academic and professional work seamlessly integrates theatre in education, media production, and dramatic criticism
-
Sadiya Abubakar, Baze University, Abuja, Nigeria
Sadiya Abubakar (BSc, MA, PhD) is a Lecturer at Baze University, Abuja, a passionate scholar with a robust background in Development Communication. Experienced communicator skilled in developing strategic initiatives and enhancing public awareness through diverse channels. Strong background in research, analysis, and student advisement, with a proven track record in improving organizational productivity. An alumna of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where she earned all three of her degrees, her work bridges the gap between media theory and practical grassroots engagement. Her career is dedicated to using communication as a tool for empowerment and policy influence in Nigeria.
Section
Special Issue-- Pan-African Applied Theatre
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Authors
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
