Theatre and Performance as Social Commentators in West African Contexts: Insights from South Africa,

Theatre and performance have long been recognised as powerful social commentaries in West African contexts, with South Africa serving as a notable example. No empirical data were collected for this commentary; instead, theoretical analysis and case studies are employed to explore themes relevant to the field of Arts & Humanities. The analysis underscores the significant role of theatre and performance in articulating social concerns and fostering dialogue within West African communities, particularly in South Africa’s post-apartheid environment. Future research could benefit from a more comprehensive empirical approach to validate these insights and further explore the mechanisms through which theatre impacts societal discourse.