Abstract:
The West African Theatre and Performing Art~ Journal (a.k.a WATPAJO),
which is the first Journal of Theatre and Performing Arts in Africa, was
conceived and birthed by Professor E.G Kofoworola during his sabbatical
leave at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. By its creation, the journal has
provided the long awaited platform for critical discourse of theatre and performing
arts in the West African sub region.
WATPAJO explores Theatre and Performing Alts with the aim of re-defining the
culture and folklore of the people of West Africa. The conceptual framework of the
journal hopes to advance the metaphoric ramification of theatre to re-orientate the
peoples of West Africa and Africa in general, towards knowledge, progress and
development.
As a product from academic interaction between resourceful and fertile minds, I
am delighted to note that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the
University of Ilorin, Nigeria and the University of Cape Coast, Ghana continues to
yield good fruits for the benefit of mankind. This journal is the third publication
emanating from the collaborative efforts. It is my sincere hope that this laudable
initiative of the Performing Arts Department, University of Ilorin and Theatre
Studies Department of the University of Cape Coast will serve as a model for other
faculties and departments in both universities.
I observed that the articles contained in this maiden edition of the journal were
reviewed by recognised authorities in the field of theatre and performing arts, with
an array of accomplished academics from across the world on the editorial board. I
therefore wish to congratulate all those whose articles had been selected for
publication.
Finally, while wishing the editorial board good success and Godspeed, I
sincerely hope that this journal will continually be a veritable reference point for
scholars and students of theatre and performing arts in Africa and the world at large.
