Cultural Significance of Performance Space in Traditional Yoruba Film: A Study of Mustapha Jayeola’s Obara Meji
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Date
2025
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Publisher
GUU; Journal of Humanities: A Publication of College of Humanities Gregory University, Uturu
Abstract
Exploring the core essence of performance space beyond artistry, especially from the
Yoruba cosmology has not received adequate attention in film making process; whereas,
performance space is a thematic determinant of film production for pragmatic purposes.
This paper therefore, examines the cultural significance of performance space in
Mustapha Jayeola’s Obara Meji. Through content analysis and descriptive method with
Sunday Enesi Ododo’s Techno-Cultural Performance Theory (2012), this paper explores
the classification of performance space within the cultural affiliation of Yoruba
cosmology, carefully classifying the performance spaces in the film as sacred and
secular in its exterior and interior settings. Spaces such as Igbo-oro (evil forest), agbala
(Balogun’s courtyard), witches’ coven and Torera’s redemptive room are sacredly
significant to Yoruba cultural spirituality; while King’s courtyard, riverside and forest
spaces are secular but complementary to the cultural ecosystem of Yoruba
environment. The Yoruba film Obara Meji exemplifies the deep cultural significance of
performance space in Yoruba tradition, serving as a medium for storytelling, spiritual
expression, and social commentary. The paper concludes that spatial dynamics of
Obara Meji not only provides authenticity to its themes but also demonstrates how
Yoruba performance space traditions remains relevant in contemporary visual
storytelling. It is recommended that more attempt should be made by story writers, set
designers, directors and critical stakeholders in production process to be deliberate in
aligning cultural significance of Yoruba culture to specific performance space for
cultural education.