Journal of Development Communication And Applied Theatre

This study examines the textual dimensions of stand-up comedy, with a focus on selected performances of Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome (Ali Baba), a pioneering figure in Nigerian stand-up comedy. Stand-up comedy, a performance art with roots in oratory, classical Greek drama, and oral traditions, is explored through the lens of textual analysis. Ali Baba's contributions to the genre have facilitated financial success and social recognition for contemporary comedians. Despite scholarly attention to the business, aesthetics, and history of stand-up comedy, textual analysis remains underrepresented. Driven by Henri Bergson’s theory of laughter, this paper employs content and thematic analysis to investigate the concept of text in oral performances, using selected Ali Baba's jokes as case studies. The findings indicate that Ali Baba skillfully integrates cultural references, vernacular expressions, and colloquialisms into his comedy, conveying social commentary and political satire. By celebrating Nigeria's cultural heritage, Ali Baba's comedy reflects the nation's collective identity, fostering a connection with his audience that transcends entertainment.

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