Puppetry Arts as Professional Performance: Development of Puppet Theatre Companies in South East Nigeria

This study examines the professional development of puppet theatre companies in South East Nigeria, investigating how practitioners are building sustainable business models and artistic identities around puppetry arts in the region. While puppetry has a long tradition as a folk performance in various Nigerian cultural contexts, its professionalisation as a contemporary theatre form remains nascent. The research investigates the programming, training, funding strategies, and audience development approaches of puppet theatre practitioners and companies operating across Anambra, Enugu, and Imo states. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with company directors, puppetry performers, cultural development officers, and school administrators who engage puppet theatre for educational programming. The study finds that puppet theatre companies in South East Nigeria struggle to achieve financial sustainability due to limited awareness of puppetry as a professional performance form among potential corporate sponsors and government funders. Educational programming in primary schools provides the most consistent revenue stream for most companies. The research concludes that professional development support, including training, networking platforms, and funding access, is essential for the growth of puppet theatre as a recognised performing art form in the region. Keywords: puppetry arts, professional theatre, South East Nigeria, cultural enterprise, performance development.