The Nigerian Factor Vis a Vis the COVID-19 Safety Protocols: Digital Theatre As a Panace

The “Nigerian factor”, seen as an acquired value system and mindset which impedes the realization of certain pertinent goals in the society, is one which often manifests in the attitude and behaviour of Nigerians, to the extent that it has become the biggest challenge in the fight against the Corona virus pandemic. Using the medium theory, this paper analyses two drama skits created by the Nigerian popular Theatre Alliance, on the need to observe safety guidelines and also address some misconceptions surrounding the eradication of the virus. This was achieved through the intercourse between the theatre and social media. Findings reveal that through the digital theatre, resulting from the intercourse between the Theatre and social media, the power of theatre was popularised, as the actors turned out to be indirect activists addressing the audience on the need to observe safety protocols. Theatre here, served as a vehicle for information dissemination, on the need to observe the laid down guidelines. Therefore, considering the fact that the pandemic still subsists, this paper suggests that theatre should be deployed to reach out to a wider audience on the safety protocols to be observed. It further recommends that theatre practitioners devise better ways of embracing the new media platforms and outlets to reach out to the larger audience on other pressing issues in the society