Between illusion and reality in the post-pandemic experience: Theatricalities of Esu and the Vagabond Minstrels on stage

Abstract

This paper draws a critical analysis of the performance of Esu and the Vagabond Minstrels in post-pandemic experience. This is a play written by Femi Osofisan and directed by Adeyemi Oresanya, performed on the stage of the Pit-Theatre. It actually brings reflections of the undying past effects of corruption, oppression and social dysfunction from the military era to the new democratic dispensation in Nigeria to define compassion in order to revitalize humanity in post-pandemic. I argue that the fusion of illusionary reality of theatre in the nature of performance intertextuality is to evince the nature of man and how the myth of Esu implants the kernel of compassion in characters through dialogue—using songs and dances for aesthetic realization and sustainability. Besides, it examines indices of creative visions in the melting pot and departures between the playwright and the director in the nature of performance intertextuality. This researched paper is recommended for both students, teachers and practitioners of Performing/Theatre Arts to find importance of technological innovation in theatrical production as engendered in the COVID-19 experience.