Abstract
Calabar, a coastal town in South-South Nigeria, has had a long-standing history of cultural tourist-oriented theatre performances. And today, its image as a tourist city has grown in leaps because of the Christmas Festival (A 32-day entertainment art and cultural events) it hosts annually plus other tourism products or attractions that complement the festival. Carnival seems to be a major attraction. Other attractions are not emphasized. This study explored how tourism-oriented theatres can be developed to add to existing attractions and increase varieties for tourists. The study used a combination of research methods including experiential theatre performances, participant observation, and focus group discussion. Findings show that local culture and arts and creative industries i.e., theatre can be used to promote destinations and enhance their attractiveness. They can help build the image of the city and promote indigenous arts and culture. This research significantly models the utility of theatre in the service of tourism and urban development. Some key recommendations this research makes include, the collaboration of the tourism industry, the performing arts sectors, and private business owners. Creating demand and market for specially packaged theatre products for tourists working with travel agencies to ensure that theatre is taken from the mainstream to the tourists.
Highlights
One of the primary roles of theatre is entertainment
Jordan Miller in the Heath Introduction to Drama writes: “Ever since the first pre-historic hunters returned from the hunt to elaborate on the size of a saber-toothed tiger that got away every major culture has at one time or the other possessed a highly developed tradition of theatre...we who watch expect to experience some form of emotional pleasures
This study explored how other theatre products can be strengthened to provide variety in the choice of the entertainment package and as such provide a unique and memorable experience for consumers especially tourists throughout the year
Summary
One of the primary roles of theatre is entertainment. From the dawn of its history theatre has thrilled its audiences across cultures, civilizations and periods. Jordan Miller in the Heath Introduction to Drama writes: “Ever since the first pre-historic hunters returned from the hunt to elaborate on the size of a saber-toothed tiger that got away every major culture has at one time or the other possessed a highly developed tradition of theatre...we who watch expect to experience some form of emotional pleasures. Some cities use theatre as an important attraction to lure tourists for leisure and thereby increase economic activities. The aim is to create a memorable experience and to make tourists holiday unique, memorable, delightful and more valuable. Their audiences usually come from other cultures. Tourist Oriented Theatres, use traditional music, folk dance and art forms of indigenous people
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
