Nigerian Playwrights and Social Realities: A Study of Femi Osofisan’s Once Upon Four Robbers and Paul Ugbede’s Mr. Chairman Sir as Praxis

Abstract

Plays by Nigerian playwrights present, represent, expose and reflect the good, the bad and the ugly of the society. Playwrights as the eyes of the society apply all creative antics to critic economic, cultural and socio-political vices and suggest alternatives. However it is worrisome that few people have time to watch these plays in the live theatre or read the play texts hence the contents are not utilized. Adopting the theory of functionalism by Emile Dunkhiem, this paper examines Femi Osofisan’s Once upon Four Robbers and Paul Ugbede’s Mr. Chairman Sir and come out with the finding that playwrights of Nigerian origin lay bare on Nigeria’s social realities in their plays hence are adequate materials for building a better society where peace and justice can reign. The paper Concludes that writers and their writings are products of their societies and that their writings are therefore powerful forces among others for attaining an enviable society, hence recommends, among others that plays by Nigerian playwrights that showcase Nigeria situation should be encouraged and made available in all educational institutions and the society at large and law makers should not only read or watch these plays but pay close attention and react to issues raised in the plays.