Developing an Original Methodology for Ethnographic Research on Secret Performance Traditions in Nigeria

Secret performance traditions in Nigerian communities (certain masquerade initiations, cult performances, and esoteric ritual drama) pose fundamental methodological challenges for ethnographic theatre researchers, and developing an original methodology that addresses access ethics, cultural sovereignty, and scholarly responsibility represents a significant contribution to research methodology in African performance studies. This study developed an original ethnographic research methodology for investigating secret performance traditions in Nigeria. A meta-methodological approach reviewing existing ethnographic practice and developing original methodological protocols was employed. Systematic review of methodological literature (52 publications from 2018 to 2024) identified five recurring ethical failures in existing research on secret performance traditions: unauthorised access to restricted knowledge, publication of ceremonially restricted information, inadequate community consent protocols, extractive rather than reciprocal research relationships, and failure to protect informant identities. Consultation with 30 community leaders from 8 ethnic groups on research access norms generated original data on community-defined research boundaries. Pilot field testing in two communities produced an operational protocol that achieved research access without community trust violation. The original Restricted Performance Research Methodology Framework specifies 12 procedural protocols covering community negotiation, consent tiering, restricted knowledge embargoes, community output review, knowledge sovereignty provisions, and researcher conduct standards. Expert review by 20 performance scholars and research ethicists confirmed the framework's methodological and ethical rigour. Recommendations include adoption by university ethics boards reviewing performance studies research proposals and publication as a research ethics guide for African performance studies.

Keywords: research methodology, secret performance traditions, ethnographic ethics, Nigeria, cultural sovereignty