VIOLENCE AND BELONGINGNESS IN NIGERIAN DRAMA: A READING OF OSITA EZENWANEBE’S THE GIDDY FESTIVAL AND SUNDAY ODODO’S HARD CHO

Abstract

This paper examines the issue of violence and belongingness in Nigerian drama. In recent times, there has been growing trend of abductions and banditry that threaten the unity of the country. This has led to loss of lives and repeated calls on government to address all issues that fuel restiveness. Adopting the theory of New Historicism, and through close reading and critical analysis, the study investigates the many crises that are prevalent in Osita Ezenwanebe’s The Giddy Festival and Sunday Ododo’s Hard Choice. The plays show that ethnic sentiments, political treachery and desperation are greatest causes of the social hostilities that divide the citizenry the haves and the have-nots. Based on the foregoing, the study concludes that a committed nationalist is required to demonstrate altruism and emphasize the positive Nigerian ideals that would foster unity among the citizenry