Amplifying theatre aura in the era of amplified technology

Abstract

Theatre scholars and practitioners have expressed concerns about the state of theatre, with some even proclaiming that it is dying or dead. This viewpoint is often rooted in the observation of the growing competition in the art and culture sector, driven by the advancements in technology that have led to the emergence of digital art and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). While these technological innovations have the potential to enhance the quality of theatre content, they also present a new alternative that theatre finds hard to compete with. This article builds on Walter Benjamin's The Work of Art in an Age of Mechanical Reproduction, to explore the concept of aura and its relevance in contemporary Nigerian theatre. The study delves into the nature of the aura's manifestation, examines Benjamin's claims on the decay of the aura, and investigates how the aura has survived in the past. It further examines how modern art, particularly digital art and NFTs, have created a new form of utility. The study aims to identify strategies that can amplify theatre's aura to compete favourably with modern technology and attract new audiences whose tastes are heavily influenced by modern technology. The study finds that the theatre and its artists can use NFTs to record the provenance of their physical artworks, such as costumes, props, and set designs to allow potential buyers to easily check for the authenticity of the artwork and preserve the aura of the piece. Thereby, providing insights on how the aura can be preserved and revitalised to ensure theatre's continued relevance in the age of technology.