is a journal primarily devoted to insect systematics, but articles can be published on any non-ma... more is a journal primarily devoted to insect systematics, but articles can be published on any non-marine arthropod. Topics considered for publication include systematics, taxonomy, nomenclature, checklists, faunal works, and natural history. Insecta Mundi will not consider works in the applied sciences (i.e. medical entomology, pest control research, etc.), and no longer publishes book reviews or editorials. Insecta Mundi publishes original research or discoveries in an inexpensive and timely manner, distributing them free via open access on the internet on the date of publication. Insecta Mundi is referenced or abstracted by several sources including the Zoological Record, CAB Abstracts, etc. Insecta Mundi is published irregularly throughout the year, with completed manuscripts assigned an individual number. Manuscripts must be peer reviewed prior to submission, after which they are reviewed by the editorial board to ensure quality. One author of each submitted manuscript must be a current member of the Center for Systematic Entomology.
This study proposes a few parameters for assessing designs for theatrical productions. As a backg... more This study proposes a few parameters for assessing designs for theatrical productions. As a background, it reviews the traditional functions of members of the theatrical design team and goes further to examine the technicalities of assessment of the arts via the elements of design and the principles of composition. The study takes a cursory look at conformity to aesthetic cannons, functionality of design, applicability of design to production and precision in script interpretation as the major parameters for assessment of design products for the theatre. In view of the place of the audience as a principal component of the theatre ensemble, the role of the audience as evaluator is also examined. The study concludes that design review and evaluation are necessary to ensure proficiency in theatre productions.
This paper discusses forms, functions and the phenomenon of the transcendental as configurations ... more This paper discusses forms, functions and the phenomenon of the transcendental as configurations of the African mask. In the discourse, it has been argued that stylistic nuances determined by cultural beliefs of the producing community and the individual vision of the artist give rise to forms, which have variously been described as grotesque, refined, abstract and realistic. The paper insists that in appreciating the African mask, its physical properties are essential and help to a large extent to explain their meaning and significance. A relationship, therefore, exists between the exterior forms and the inner contents and meaning within a cultural context. Beyond the superficial elements, the study acknowledges the problem of apprehending the transcendental reality of African mask in the spiritual context and suggests that the cultural sources of the transcendental potentialities, being what the people hold as beliefs should engage scholars. The paper opines that it may be better ...
Essential Elements of Spatial Definition in Theatre Architecture
Arts and Design Studies, 2015
This study on “Essential Elements of Spatial Definition in Theatre Architecture” examines space a... more This study on “Essential Elements of Spatial Definition in Theatre Architecture” examines space as a vital element of design used in architecture for both aesthetic and practical purposes. Every structure is built in space, and the use of interior and exterior space in architecture is determined by the function for which a building is meant. In theatre architecture, space is broken down into functional areas to serve direct and allied needs of theatre performers and audience members. This paper assesses the nature and character of the different spaces created in the theatre house and the functions they serve. It examines the effects of architectural materials, features and space plan on the acoustic shaping of the theatre auditorium. The paper adopts the architectural mantra “form follows function”, submitting that the appropriateness of a theatre house in terms of serving its practical and aesthetic functions is dependent on architectural space management. Keywords: Spatial definit...
Strict disciplinary barriers are gradually being dismantled to create opportunities for cross-dis... more Strict disciplinary barriers are gradually being dismantled to create opportunities for cross-disciplinary research and cross-fertilization of ideas for collective benefits in 21st Century scholarship. On this basis, arts and technology have become increasingly complementary. This paper examines current dimensions of the relationship between arts and technology towards enhancing stage and media designs in Nigeria. The paper analyses the nature and scope of designs for stage and media productions and examines the pace and dimensions of technological contributions towards enhancing design practice. An observation is made on the trend of fast-changing technological design-aids and software applications, and the attempt by designers to acquire requisite knowledge for optimal utilization of new technological products. Specific design-aid products are highlighted and their features and peculiarities juxtaposed with known characteristics of media and stage designs to assess their mutual co...
This study proposes a few parameters for assessing designs for theatrical productions. As a backg... more This study proposes a few parameters for assessing designs for theatrical productions. As a background, it reviews the traditional functions of members of the theatrical design team and goes further to examine the technicalities of assessment of the arts via the elements of design and the principles of composition. The study takes a cursory look at conformity to aesthetic cannons, functionality of design, applicability of design to production and precision in script interpretation as the major parameters for assessment of design products for the theatre. In view of the place of the audience as a principal component of the theatre ensemble, the role of the audience as evaluator is also examined. The study concludes that design review and evaluation are necessary to ensure proficiency in theatre productions. Keywords : Aesthetics, Utilitarian Considerations, Design Evaluation, Theatre Productions
Social Justice, Civil Society and the Dramatist in Democratic Nigeria
Nigeria as a democratic nation-state is ailing. One of the consequences of this ailment is the ca... more Nigeria as a democratic nation-state is ailing. One of the consequences of this ailment is the cascading standard of social justice in the country. Instead of correcting the trend, the leaders continue to rationalize every action taken by government and describe Nigeria’s democracy as being unique to the cultural environment, yet the human-rights violations, political dishonesty and the declining social standards induced by government are not compatible with the tenets of liberal democracy. The civil society, through its organizations and institutions, has been challenged to initiate a plan of ideological reorientation for social and ethical change, using nonconfrontational methods. Drama and theatre, being veritable media of communication are considered extremely suitable in this regard. The method of Theatre for Development is strongly recommended for its potential of using community members to develop and communicate relevant messages to grass root communities. This methodology h...
Classical African Arts: Remodeling the Base of Contemporary Theatre Practice
Many postulations have been made as to what could be the origin of theatre practice. Notable amon... more Many postulations have been made as to what could be the origin of theatre practice. Notable among these are the possibilities discussed by Brockett who theorizes that theatre may have emerged from rituals, love of storytelling and the instinct for imitation (3). Brockett's generalized position regarding the ritualistic beginning of theatre has been adopted by a number of scholars notable among whom are Wilson (2) and Okpokam (5). Wilson finds in ritual a point of convergence between the old and the new, citing Jean Genet's , The Balcony as a good example of a modern play woven around rituals (195).
This Paper examines current measures of cultural promotion and tourism development in Nigeria, fo... more This Paper examines current measures of cultural promotion and tourism development in Nigeria, focusing on the efforts ofCross River State. Described as Nigeria’s foremost tourists’ destination, Cross River State has developed what appears to be a uniquecultural and tourism development plan, featuring two major products – The Calabar Festival and Carnival Calabar in its tourism calendar.In the first place, the paper analyses the structures and dimensions of the two cultural and tourism products, situating them in thecontexts of traditionality and modernity on the one hand, and globalization and localization on the other. In the later part, the paperattempts to evaluate the economic, social and political implications of the festival and carnival on tourism development in Nigeria. Inconclusion, the paper affirms that with products such as Calabar Festival and Carnival Calabar, Nigeria may already have started theprocess of economic diversification from oil driven economy to ecological...
This paper discusses forms, functions and the phenomenon of the transcendental as configurations ... more This paper discusses forms, functions and the phenomenon of the transcendental as configurations of the African mask. In the discourse, it has been argued that stylistic nuances determined by cultural beliefs of the producing community and the individual vision of the artist give rise to forms, which have variously been described as grotesque, refined, abstract and realistic. The paper insists that in appreciating the African mask, its physical properties are essential and help to a large extent to explain their meaning and significance. A relationship, therefore, exists between the exterior forms and the inner contents and meaning within a cultural context. Beyond the superficial elements, the study acknowledges the problem of apprehending the transcendental reality of African mask in the spiritual context and suggests that the cultural sources of the transcendental potentialities, being what the people hold as beliefs should engage scholars. The paper opines that it may be better to lower scientific guards and to adopt African cultural principles, values and belief systems. It is only in this intrinsic sociological context that the supernatural potentialities inherent in African masks can be appreciated. The final submission is that the phenomenal spirituality ascribed to African masks lies within a triangulated framework boarded by form, function and the performative context. To extend the relevance of masks as treasured cultural objects in an age of globalization, the paper calls for the consideration of not only the 'scientific', but also cultural logic to be able to appreciate the supernatural potentialities that may be inherent in African masks.
This study proposes a few parameters for assessing designs for theatrical productions. As a backg... more This study proposes a few parameters for assessing designs for theatrical productions. As a background, it reviews the traditional functions of members of the theatrical design team and goes further to examine the technicalities of assessment of the arts via the elements of design and the principles of composition. The study takes a cursory look at conformity to aesthetic cannons, functionality of design, applicability of design to production and precision in script interpretation as the major parameters for assessment of design products for the theatre. In view of the place of the audience as a principal component of the theatre ensemble, the role of the audience as evaluator is also examined. The study concludes that design review and evaluation are necessary to ensure proficiency in theatre productions.
The paper discuses a series of technical improvisations created on carnival floats by the technic... more The paper discuses a series of technical improvisations created on carnival floats by the technical team of Passion 4, a band in Calabar Carnival in Nigeria between 2008 and 2012. The team, consisting of artists and engineers has over the years been saddled with the challenge of designing and building carnival floats with robotic components to convincingly capture the annual carnival themes and subthemes, and to make meaning to the target audiences. Constrained by lean resources, it has been difficult for the team to fabricate special robotic models for specific designs that need mobility. So, the designers have always depended on the option of improvising by adapting found materials and in some cases re-fabricating them to create moving parts in the float designs. Using the descriptive procedure, the paper highlights the carnival themes, the interpretation of the themes for float design, and the corresponding visual artistic renditions for the years under review. The paper also narrates the artistic and engineering procedures; improvisation techniques and resourcefulness in the use of materials in the carnival float construction projects.
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