Theatre Arts · MSc · REF. TA-2018

The Use of Ritual Performance Elements as a Vehicle for Post-Colonial Disillusionment in Femi Osofisan's Once Upon Four Robbers

Abstract

This MSc study investigates the subject matter outlined in the title above through a structured research design appropriate to the MSc level. Using primary and/or secondary data collection methods, the research examines the underlying variables, tests relevant hypotheses, and presents findings with implications for practice and policy. This is placeholder abstract text generated for catalogue preview purposes; the full document contains a complete, topic-specific abstract, literature review, methodology, data analysis, and conclusion.

Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Femi Osofisan's Once Upon Four Robbers occupies a significant place in the Nigerian literary canon, and continues to attract critical attention for the richness of its language and thematic concerns.

Despite the volume of criticism devoted to Once Upon Four Robbers, its use of ritual performance elements in relation to post-colonial disillusionment has not been exhaustively examined, leaving room for closer textual analysis.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While Femi Osofisan's Once Upon Four Robbers is widely studied, there is no settled critical consensus on how its ritual performance elements functions specifically in relation to post-colonial disillusionment. This study undertakes a close textual analysis to address that gap.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

To examine the use of ritual performance elements in Femi Osofisan's Once Upon Four Robbers.
To analyze how ritual performance elements contributes to the portrayal of post-colonial disillusionment.
To assess the effectiveness of ritual performance elements as a stylistic/thematic tool in the text.
To situate the findings within the broader context of Nigerian literary/linguistic scholarship.

1.4 Research Questions

How is ritual performance elements used in Femi Osofisan's Once Upon Four Robbers?
In what ways does ritual performance elements contribute to the portrayal of post-colonial disillusionment?
How effective is ritual performance elements as a stylistic/thematic tool in the text?
How does this reading relate to the broader body of Nigerian literary/linguistic scholarship?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant to students and teachers of theatre arts, offering a close reading of Femi Osofisan's Once Upon Four Robbers that can support classroom discussion and further critical work. It also contributes to the broader body of scholarship on Nigerian literary and linguistic studies.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study is limited to a close textual analysis of ritual performance elements within Once Upon Four Robbers, reflecting a MSc-level scope; it does not extend to a full survey of the author's other works.

Chapters Two through Five, references and appendices are available for a one-time fee of ₦50,000.

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