Exploring the effectiveness of eco-friendly/alternative materials in the scenicinterpretation of Elaigu Ameh’s Climate of Change

Abstract

The quest for ecologically conscious design has given rise to eco-scenography, a
practice that foregrounds the dynamic interplay between the natural environment,
material resources, and human experience in theatrical design. Despite growing
global discourse around eco-theatre and eco-criticism, eco-scenography remains
relatively nascent within the Nigerian theatre space, with limited scholarly and
practical exploration of its effectiveness and viability. This study examines the
effectiveness of eco-scenography as a framework for sustainable theatre practice
through the design and interpretation of Elaigwu Ameh's Climate of Change, with
a view to promoting environmental sustainability in Nigerian theatre. Anchored
in Ecological Design Theory and the ADDIE Model, the study adopts a qualitative
research design, drawing data from In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) and Focus Group
Discussions (FGDs) with designers, students, and audience members. Findings
reveal that eco-scenography represents a viable and transformative alternative
approach to theatrical design, one that effectively communicates performance
environments, enhances dramatic narratives, projects themes of climate justice,
and promotes the use of renewable, locally sourced, and repurposed materials in
set and stage construction. Furthermore, the study establishes that ecoscenography can positively impact the economy of theatrical productions by
significantly reducing the costs associated with set construction. The study
concludes that eco-scenography constitutes a transformative approach to both
theatre practice and education, aligning with broader global efforts to combat
environmental degradation and climate change, while offering Nigerian theatre a
culturally rooted, ecologically responsible, and creatively generative design
philosophy for the future.