Applied Theatre and Culturally Sustainable Peacebuilding: An Intervention with Victims of Boko Haram Insurgency in Northeast Nigeria

Abstract

Theatre as an artistic form in Africa has always been largely functional in nature, more so when applied. Applied theatre is based on conflict and is often deployed in conflict situations. From a culturally sustainable perspective, the chapter presents a peacebuilding project implemented in Shuwari 5 IDPs camp that hosts victims of Boko Haram insurgency in MMC LGA of Borno state, Northeast Nigeria. Based on this intervention, the study specifically explores how Augusto Boal’s Forum Theatre method is adapted as a vehicle for promoting peace and harmony. Through a template of the organic nature of life as shaped by problems, options, choices, and consequences, specifically in relation to sanitation and hygiene issues in the context of IDPs-host community relations, the chapter explores how much can be learned from intra-communal events towards ensuring culturally sustainable harmony. The study finds that IDPs remain culturally sensitive in their participation in peacebuilding, hence buttressing the significance of considerations of culture in sustainable development discourses. The chapter concludes by examining some of the limitations of the experiment and proffering possible directions for future interventions.