Dance as a Veritable Tool for Socio-political Change in Nigeria: an Evaluation of Felix Akinsipe’s “United We Stand” in Talking Bodies
Author: Alice Blessing Ogundiya & Josiah Adewale Apalowo
Abstract: The uniqueness of dance as an art form is that of all art forms, it is totally dependent on human body movement. The human body is the sole instrument or vehicle for expression in dance. One of the major problems of dance is its non-verbal channel of communication which sometimes seems codified and difficult to understand by merely watching or observing. Predominantly, our present society does not really have that critical mind to clearly understand what a dancer is trying to depict through dance. Most people always concentrate more on the dance movement and choreography. This research paper shall lend itself to the historical approach as a theoretical tool for evaluating Felix Akinsipe’s “United We Stand” beyond the work itself to the broader historical and cultural event. This study surpasses an attempt to write about dance, it is to shed light on the importance of dance and how it can be used to educate and inform people in society. However, this study will also give room for intellectual discourse about dance, its socio-political relevance in society, and how Felix Akinsipe’s “United We Stand” in Talking Bodies reflects the Nigerian situation under the colonial/military regime. In the course of the paper, a qualitative method of gathering data was adopted in processing the libretto and performance under review. This paper thereby concludes by illuminating the responsibility of theatre artists towards being the voice of the voiceless via their works and then recommends that choreographers must strive to commit their works in speaking for the voiceless against oppressive governance.