Study of the Integration of Technology in Live Theatre Productions in Lagos State

Digital technology has increasingly become central to contemporary theatrical production, and examining how Lagos theatre companies integrate technology into live productions reveals the state of Nigerian theatre's technological evolution. This study examined the integration of digital technology in live theatre productions in Lagos Island and Ikeja Local Government Areas, Lagos State, South West Nigeria. A descriptive qualitative design employed semi-structured interviews with 15 theatre directors and technical directors, observation of four productions with significant technological components, and analysis of production documentation. Assessment dimensions included digital projection, sound design, lighting automation, and social media integration for storytelling. Results showed that digital projection was the most widely adopted technology, used in 11 of 15 interviewed companies' recent productions. Automated lighting was available in only 3 companies. Budget constraints prevented technology investment in 73.3 percent of companies, limiting technological ambition. Directors who had attended international workshops showed significantly more technological integration. Three directors expressed concern that technology was being used as spectacle rather than serving narrative. Audience reception surveys from observed productions showed 72 percent positive response to technology-enhanced elements. The study concludes that technology integration in Lagos theatre is growing but uneven, with budget and skills barriers limiting development. Recommendations include technology access grants for mid-scale theatre companies, digital theatre training through theatre associations, and collaborative technology-sharing agreements between Lagos production companies.

Keywords: theatre technology, live performance, Lagos State, digital theatre, technical production