Study of the Role of Hausa Theatrical Tradition in Political Commentary in Zamfara State

Hausa theatrical traditions including wasan kwaikwayo (dramatic play) have historically served as platforms for social criticism and political commentary in northern Nigeria, and examining this function in contemporary Zamfara State provides insight into theatre's role in fragile governance contexts. This study investigated the political commentary function of Hausa theatrical tradition in Gusau and Talata Mafara Local Government Areas, Zamfara State, North West Nigeria. A qualitative ethnographic design employed in-depth interviews with 12 Hausa theatre practitioners, 8 community audience members, 6 religious scholars, and 4 government cultural administrators. Three performances were observed and their scripts collected for textual analysis. Results revealed that political commentary in Hausa theatre was predominantly encoded in allegory, proverb, and comic irony rather than direct statement, allowing critique of governance failures while avoiding direct confrontation. Practitioners reported self-censorship as a significant constraint, particularly on topics relating to security and ethnic conflict. Three of 12 interviewed practitioners had received warnings from local authorities about production content. Audiences appreciated political commentary delivered in familiar cultural idioms. The study concludes that Hausa theatre maintains a cautious but meaningful political commentary tradition in Zamfara State. Recommendations include protection of theatrical free expression through arts legislation, documentation of political commentary plays as civic archives, and establishment of arts and governance dialogue forums in North West state arts councils.

Keywords: Hausa theatrical tradition, political commentary, Zamfara State, wasan kwaikwayo, theatre and governance