Small Screen

The tremendous impact of the small screen (television) as a vibrant medium of mass communication cannot be underestimated. More so, a well-packaged product such as docu-soap, soap opera or even a serial that is put together to edutain or project the culture of a people through the small screen is capable of engendering a positive chain of effect. However, it is regrettable to note that in spite of the avalanche of celebrated cultural festivals in Nigeria, little or no serious attempt has been made at packaging or docu-dramatizing on screen their dramatic content for national and international viewership. It pierces the heart, even more, when viewed against the backdrop of the people the average Nigerian tend to emulate – the Americans, the Japanese, the Europeans and others who have articulated and packaged their local experiences to reflect their cultural heritage and identifies. And, of course, the small screen is and would continue to be central to the success story of these peoples. The numerous cultural shows organized by the British, the French, the Japanese, the German embassies in Nigeria point to this fact. It is in this context that this paper uses the analytical approach to advocate the packaging (in the form of docu-soap) and dissemination through the small screen, the dramatic contents of Igue festival, with a view to reaching national and international audience outside the Benin precincts and engendering cultural re-orientation of Nigerians. Ultimately, this will contribute to the cultural development of Nigeria and indeed Black Africa. Towards this end, the gamut of histrionics inherent in Igue and the possible benefits accruable to the Benins in particular and Nigerians, in general, are examined.