BOUESTI JOURNAL OF PERFORMING ARTS

The new context of modern Nigerian performance has seen an increase in experimentation in artistic expression, particularly through the employment of new choreography and dynamic artistic direction. The study analyses the relationship between creative direction and choreographic innovation in contemporary Nigerian performance, with particular focus on the role of the artistic director in the conceptualisation, development and execution of choreographic conceptions in theatrical and dance works. The study aims at investigating how artistic leadership helps in fostering creativity, encouraging experimentation and facilitating the emergence of new performance aesthetics in Nigeria. This study employs a qualitative research methodology, concentrating on selected case studies of contemporary Nigerian theatre and dance performances, document analysis, performance reviews and interviews with theatre practitioners. The research is based on Richard Schechners performance theory, which emphasizes the interrelationship of creative leadership and choreographic design in the determination of performance outcomes. Research reveals that artistic directors play a vital role in the genesis of choreographic innovation by establishing creative parameters, supporting interdisciplinary cooperation, and facilitating the growth of indigenous movement languages within a contemporary performance environment. The research demonstrates that innovative choreography facilitates the development of Nigerian performance practice through the improvement of narrative communication, audience participation and cultural representation. The study shows that creative direction is one of the triggers of choreographic innovation and that effective collaboration between artistic directors and choreographers is important for the production of artistically engaging and culturally pertinent performances. This study contributes to the literature on the development of performance and innovative leadership in modern African theatre and dance. The study recommends that Nigerian theatre and dance institutions should provide artistic directors and choreographers with greater opportunities for professional development, interdisciplinary collaboration, experimentation and access to relevant production resources. It further recommends the establishment of structured platforms, workshops and residency programmes that can encourage sustained collaboration between artistic directors, choreographers, dancers and other creative practitioners, while promoting the integration of indigenous movement vocabularies with contemporary performance techniques. Such initiatives would strengthen choreographic innovation, preserve cultural knowledge and contribute to the continued development and sustainability of contemporary Nigerian performance practice.

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