African Theatre And The Performance Space: Iboku Uruan Cultural Festival Of Akwa Ibom State In View Sapientia Global Journal of Arts, Humanities and Development Studies (SGOJAHDS), Vol.7 No.2 June

Abstract

In the African society, the past have been kept alive for centuries through indigenous festival performances, which are peculiar to the people that celebrate it. Festivals represent the sociological desire of the people, social moral, historical and religious activities. This study is on the Iboku Uruan Cultural Festival as revived in the last three years. The Festival takes place at the Mbiaya Uruan in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. It is an annually celebrated festival that is conceptualized to promote the rich culture of the people in celebration of the Ekpe Society by its members. The Ekpe Society is an ancient Secret Society of the Cross River State and Uruan/Oron People of Akwa Ibom State, which is saddled with the responsibility for the administration and organisation of the community and society at large. Historically, the society has been involved in social justice issues, while using its powers and influence to promote fairness and equality within the community. Its responsibilities go beyond Governance, with its functions ranging from establishment/formulation of societal morals and the regulation and enforcement of those societal morals. The Iboku Uruan Festival, as an African Theatre is performed in a secluded performance space as created by the member of the Ekpe society. This area is considered to be the heart of the Ekpe festival and is permeated with spiritual powers and energy. The circular arrangement reflects the cyclical nature of the Ekpe society and its relationship to the natural world. The Ekpe participation in the festival serves as a link between the living community members and their ancestors, who are believed to be present in spirit during the festival.