Adolphe Appia’s Directorial Concepts as Footnote for Performing African Postmodernism

Theatre directing in the real sense of it is a modern theatre concept influenced by interplay of nineteenth and twentieth centuries’ societal and theatrical forces. Hence, Periodization motivates new directing theories that modify existing practices. Postmodernism as an era is gradually gaining prominence in Africa but approaches and theories that condition the performance of African postmodernism are still embryonic. Consequently, problem of study is lack of theorization of African postmodern theatre directing. Theorization of African postmodern theatre directing through appropriation of Adolphe Appia’s directorial concepts is attempted. Objectives include evolving African postmodern play production approaches and weaving African postmodern theatre directing into utilization of prevalent electronic postmodern performance culture. Compatibility of Appia’s directorial theory with African postmodern directing is examined and appropriated using Whitmore’s postmodern theory as framework. Qualitative research method was adopted. Findings indicated that, Appia’s theory is capable of providing footnote for African postmodern directorial theory. Comparative, but intercultural directorial approaches for performing African postmodernism is recommended.