2.4 Functions of Drama
Drama performance could be seen to be the most effective tool for mass mobilization by the government or private agencies to do their campaigns that is
intended to disseminate information or to mobilize the people to accept or reject any concept, action or program, educate, enlighten while at the same time
entertain the people. The dramatist is mirroring his society and through his work, he could
affect social reform. This is happening because his work has a unique characteristic of presenting events in an obvious, tangible and realistic manner.
This helps to imprint social conditions realistically in the minds of the audience. Its message is therefore immediate. The rich and the poor, the young and the old,
the literate and the illiterate enjoy and assimilate the message of drama once it is presented in the appropriate language as the actors live out the story message on
stage. Iwuchukwu 2008:13 writes that ―the drama of any society, therefore,
reflects the problems, aspirations, philosophy and cultural background of the people
.‖ In accordance with that, drama could be used by the dramatist to help him
shaping the future of certain societies. He is not only reflecting the ugly sides of the societies,
but also by promoting the positive aspects of the people‘s way of life that are worth emulating or cultivating. He also helps to ensure the continuity of
his tradition and culture by reflecting himself in his plays. Each dramatist, therefore, tries from his perspective to use his art to enlighten his audience on the
goodness, imbalances and shortcomings of his society. He tries to highlight his
cultural background through the use of myths, legends, music, songs, dances, proverbs, riddles, and other local expressions. In this way, dramatists could be
considered as the preserver of his societies‘ social and cultural life.
2.5 Elements of Drama
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