Theatre, Politics and Dynamics in the Enactment of Funeral Rites in Nsukka Igbo, South-Eastern Nigeria

The study examined the culture re-enactment through funeral rites in Nsukka. It delved into burial/funeral theatre, politics of dominance played by the church which has brought about a new frontier regime of burial/funeral rites. Data was collected through ethnographic method that enabled the researcher to engage and became immersed in the field and observed, participated and learned first-hand the modus operandi in burial/funeral rites in the study area. The study used the descriptive research approach for data illumination. For credibility and to flesh out the narrative and enhance readers’ engagement with the paper, photographs have been included. It is noted that Nsukka people stop at nothing to give befitting burial/funeral rites to adults male and female, who died a ‘good death,’ failure which is calamitous and that changes have occurred in the enactment processes caused by modernity and the over bearing influences of Christianity. It also noted that aside from honouring the dead, funeral ceremony serves as a platform for group cohesion and social support.

Keywords: Theatre, Politics, Dynamics, Enactment, Funeral, Rites, Nsukka Igbo.