1.1 Introduction
According to the recounted story, Shopona was said to be old and lame. He attended a celebration at the palace of Obatala (father of the deities). When Shopona tried to dance, he stumbled and fell. All the other deities laughed at him, and he, in turn, tried to infect them with smallpox. He was then stopped by Obatala who drove him into the bush. This became his abode as he lived as an outcast ever since (Everyevery, 2021).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the Conceptual Review of Obaluaiye upon which this study was initiated, the motivation that led to this study, the aim and objectives of the study. Others are Justification of the study, Scope of work, and Limitations of the Study.
1.2 Conceptual Review of Obaluaiye
Babalú-Aye (from yoruba Obalúwayé), Oluaye, Ṣọpọna, or even Obaluaiye, is the orisha of healing in all its aspects, of the land, of respect for the elderly and protector of health. He is called whenever necessary to prevent infirmity (Brown, 2003).
He promotes the cure for illnesses. He is always close to Iku (the orisha responsible for taking life), as he promotes healing for those who are close to death. However, some fear Obaluaye because he is believed to bring disease upon humans, including smallpox, in which he is known as Ṣọpọna (Brown, 2003).
His cult powers and spells are used against all kinds of diseases, but particularly against skin diseases, inflammation and airborne diseases that can cause epidemics. They are also used to cure people with seizure problems, epilepsy and catalepsy (Brown, 2003).
Heat is also a property of Babalu-aye, like fever, the body heating up to expel a disease; it is Babalu-aye acting on the human body, as well as the heat that comes from the depths of the earth. Therefore, any kind of sacrifice or offering to this orisha must be done during the day, when the temperature is higher. Usually considered hobbled by disease, he universally takes grains as offerings (Brown, 2003).
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to examine the acting and spirituality of Obaluaye Performance. In achieving this aim, the following objectives were set out;
- To examine the gender stratification of Ritual Obaluaye Performance,
- To investigate the acting and spirituality in the religious context,
- To examine the traditional dance of yoruba cultural dance performance and,
- To examine the performance of Obaluaiye.
1.4 Scope of Study
The scope of this research is focused on the acting and spirituality of Obaluaye Performance.
1.5 Methodology
The research methodology of this work is based on analysis of data and interviews which are gathered and showing relevant places of pictures taken during the festival of relevant places and people.
1.6 Justification of the Study
The powerful role that acting (drama) can play in facilitating spiritual development. The opportunities offered through the experience of improvisation are explored through a detailed examination of a single acting (drama) session. The children's engagement in and reflection upon the acting (drama) are seen as sensitive vehicles to build a sense of community, increase self-knowledge, develop empathy, search for meaning and purpose and experience a sense of the transcendent. Examples are given of children's responses, both oral and written, to illuminate possible reflective connections between acting (drama) and spiritual growth.
1.7 Motivation for the Study
The motivation that prompts the execution of the research work is that, problems found in the existing research work is that there is no concise and precise documentation about the gender stratification of Ritual Obaluaye Performance, acting and spirituality in the religious context, traditional dance of yoruba cultural dance performance, and Obaluaiye Performance.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
