Study of the Use of Performance Arts in Conflict Resolution Among Youth in Plateau State

Ethno-religious conflict has persistently affected youth communities in Plateau State, and performance arts offer structured approaches to reconciliation and peaceful coexistence that address both the emotional and communicative dimensions of conflict. This study examined how performance arts are used in conflict resolution programmes for youth in Jos North and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. A qualitative case study design was adopted. Three youth-focused performance arts conflict resolution programmes were selected as cases. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 15 programme facilitators, 30 youth participants, and 5 government peace-building officers. Focus group discussions were conducted with two groups of programme alumni. Results showed that participants consistently reported improved intergroup communication skills after drama-based conflict resolution activities. Forum theatre exercises, in particular, were described as enabling perspective-taking across ethnic and religious lines. Two of the three programmes documented measurable reductions in violent incidents in target communities during programming periods. Challenges included short programme durations, inadequate follow-up monitoring, and underfunding. The study concludes that performance arts are an effective but underfunded conflict resolution mechanism in Plateau State. Recommendations include sustaining programme funding beyond single-cycle grants, training local facilitators in forum theatre methodology, and integrating performance-based peace education into the secondary school curriculum across Plateau State.

Keywords: performance arts, conflict resolution, youth, Plateau State, forum theatre