Theatre and Performance as Social Commentary in West Africa: An African Perspective

Theatre and performance in West Africa have long served as platforms for social commentary, addressing issues such as cultural identity, political power dynamics, and societal norms. The study employs an ethnographic approach, combining participant observation and semi-structured interviews to understand the role of theatre in societal discourse. A key finding is the prevalence of themes related to gender equality and political resistance within Tunisian theatrical productions, reflecting broader social struggles. This research underscores the significant impact of theatre on fostering public awareness and engagement with pressing socio-political issues in Tunisia. Policy makers should support arts education programmes that integrate critical thinking about societal challenges, thereby enhancing civic participation. Theatre, performance, social commentary, West Africa, Tunisian society