FROM SCRIPT TO STAGE: THE ACTOR AND ENSEMBLE PLAYING IN EKAETTE BRIAN'S DIRECTION OF BODE SOWANDE'S MAMMY WATER'S WEDDING

ABSTRACT This research project delves into the intricate journey of a script from page to stage, focusing on the role of the actors in bringing the words to life. Specifically, it examines Ekaette Brian's directing of Bode Sowande's play Mammy Water's Wedding as a case study. The study aims to uncover the various processes, challenges, and creative decisions involved in translating the written text into a live theatrical performance. Through a combination of interviews, observation, and analysis of the rehearsal and performance process, the researcher explores the way in which actors contribute to the overall vision and interpretation of a play. By looking closely at Brian's approach to directing and the actors' engagement with the material, the study highlights the collaborative nature of theatrical production and the significant impact that performers have on the shaping of a production. The research project ultimately seeks to provide valuable insights into the dynamic relationship between actors and directors in the theatrical process, shedding light on the ways in which performers play a crucial role in bringing a script to life on stage. This study not only contributes to the field of theatre studies but also offers practical implications for practitioners seeking to enhance their understanding of the collaborative nature of theatre production.