Dramatic Transitions and Scene Changes in African Traditional Masquerade Performance: A Cursory look at the Ekine Masquerade Drama

Drama, as a universal human phenomenon, manifests differently across cultures, particularly in relation to the performance traditions of various peoples.  The Ekine masquerade drama of the Niger Delta shares striking similarities with the Indian Kathakahi dance drama, especially in its reliance on instrument sound to coordinate, control, and dictate the dramatic process.  However, cultural distance and limited intercultural performance literacy have often prevented Western scholars from fully appreciating the dramatic nature of masquerade performances.  This study adopts a qualitative research approach, drawing on both primary and secondary sources, and employs Richard Schechner’s Performance Theory as its analytical framework.  Findings reveal that the Ekine masquerade is a complete dramatic phenomenon, possessing all essential elements of drama; performance space, actors, and an active audience. Central to the production is the master drummer, who functions as an omniscient director; rehearsing the performers and coordinating, controlling, and dictating the flow of the entire performance.