Greek Tragedy and Communal Grieving: A Study of Sophocles in Conflict-Affected Communities in Plateau State

Greek tragedy, particularly the works of Sophocles, has been applied in post-conflict healing and communal grieving processes in several global contexts, and its potential relevance to communities in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria, which have experienced recurring ethno-religious violence, merits investigation. This study examines whether dramatic engagement with Sophoclean tragedy, specifically Antigone and Oedipus Rex, can contribute to communal processing of grief among conflict-affected residents in Barkin Ladi and Jos North LGAs. A descriptive qualitative design was adopted, incorporating reading and performance workshops with 45 community participants introduced to simplified Yoruba-language adaptations of both plays, followed by semi-structured group interviews assessing emotional, social, and interpretive responses. The analysis draws on contemporary classical reception theory, particularly the work of Edith Hall and the therapeutic tradition of Bryan Doerries' Theatre of War project. Findings indicate that participants identify powerfully with Antigone's conflict between state authority and individual moral obligation, interpreting it through the lens of their own experiences with security forces and community leaders during violence episodes. The lament conventions of Sophoclean tragedy are found to resonate with local mourning practices in ways that facilitate open communal grief expression. The study concludes that Greek tragedy has significant therapeutic and communal healing potential in Nigerian post-conflict settings and recommends further practice-based research involving community drama facilitators.

Keywords: Greek tragedy, Sophocles, communal grieving, Plateau State, classical reception