STAGING EGWU OHUHU DANCE OF THE ANIOMA PEOPLE OF DELTA STATE FOR CULTURAL REVIVAL

The purpose of this research project is to employ traditional dance as a vehicle for creating awareness, reviving of a dance going extinct and identity construction, using the Egwu Ohuhu dance of the Anioma people of Delta state as an example. This work researched into the cultural background of the Anioma people, the Egwu Ohuhu dance, and the problems associated with cultural extinction and provided solutions to help revive cultural dances. It also researched on the uniqueness of Egwu Ohuhu dance in retaining the cultural qualities of the Anioma people. The methodologies used in sourcing for information were; Primary research method which involved personal interviews with the indigenes of Ugbodu Village, Secondary method which involved library research and the consultation of books, journals, articles, commentaries and so on which were related to the topic of research. Also, Experimental method of research which involved, the creation of a dance script, auditioning rehearsing with the performers and staging a dance performance. The research concludes that dance can be utilized as a tool and weapon to create awareness, and create a notion that the act is more than the mere movement of the body which could serve as a form of entertainment. It can have a purpose to change ideals and provide solutions to problems