Theatre Arts has played significant role in the peaceful and cultural co-existence of Nigeria from the almagamation of Southern and Northern protectorates in 1914 to form Nigeria. Through it, many Nigerians saw the need to work together in peace, love and harmony. The hilarious displays of the arts also reignited their love for each other.
Theatre Arts is a form of art which artists use their voices, bodies or inanimate objects to convey artistic expression. This artistic expression goes a long way to making the desired impact on the audiences who get orientation or re-orientation on issues that will bring progress, peace and harmony to their communities.
Theatre Arts should take a more pragmatic and result-oriented approach in promoting religious tolerance. Those in this discipline should ensure that creative ideas are injected into it that will inspire Nigerians toward admiring and adoring others and also tolerating each other’s religion.
If effectively used in this aspect, can turn things around for Christians and Muslims and help promote religious tolerance to a greater level.
Theatre Arts has been underutilized in this aspect and much needs to be done: more costume should be acquired; more drama, official firms, short firms and theatrical speech presentations should be produced; more conferences and seminars should be organised and so on.
If Theatre Arts as a discipline is used effectively in promoting religious tolerance, most Nigerians will develop new and better perspective towards one another and love, peace and harmony will prevail over destructive practices.
By Terfa Naswem