ISSN 2360-7963
Abstract
Contemporary Nigerian drama has emerged as a powerful medium of social critique, particularly in addressing issues of social injustice and political corruption that have plagued the postcolonial Nigerian state. As a performative art form, drama provides a unique intersection between aesthetics and activism, drawing upon indigenous performance traditions while simultaneously engaging global discourses on governance and human rights. This study interrogates the role of contemporary Nigerian playwrights in exposing, critiquing, and resisting systemic corruption and socio-political marginalisation. By analysing selected dramatic texts and performances, the research highlights how playwrights deploy satire, allegory, symbolism, and radical performance strategies to stimulate social consciousness and provoke dialogue on accountability, justice, and ethical leadership. The paper also situates Nigerian drama within broader African and postcolonial literary traditions, thereby demonstrating its significance as both a cultural expression and an instrument of social change. Ultimately, the study underscores the continuing relevance of Nigerian drama not only as entertainment but also as a catalyst for civic engagement and democratic reform.
Keywords: Nigerian Drama, Social Injustice, Political Corruption, Performance Studies, Postcolonial Theatre