DANCE AS A FORM OF STORYTELLING IN YORUBA FOLK THEATRE

This study explores dance movement as a form of storytelling in Yoruba folk theatre, with broader references to African performance traditions. Rooted in the oral and performative traditions of African societies, folk theatre has long utilized dance not merely as an artistic expression but as a powerful communicative tool. Focusing primarily on the Yoruba egungun festival masquerade theatre, this research investigates how indigenous dance movements function as visual language conveying myths, historical events, spiritual beliefs, and communal values. It addresses the gap in scholarly attention to non-verbal narrative strategies in African folk performances, particularly amidst the growing dominance of Western theatrical models that prioritize scripted dialogue. Employing a qualitative methodology combining literature review, ethnographic fieldwork, movement analysis, and interviews with practitioners the study analyzes dance application in Yoruba folk theatre as a narrative wheel. Findings suggest that dance embodies collective memory, reinforces cultural identity, and serves as a dynamic medium for intergenerational knowledge transfer. However, challenges such as globalization, cultural erosion, and interpretative biases threaten the continuity of these traditions. By foregrounding dance as a storytelling medium, this research contributes to the preservation of African cultural heritage, enriches theatre studies, and offers interdisciplinary insights into embodiment and non-verbal communication. It further provides a foundation for future academic exploration and practical integration of African performative elements in contemporary global theatre.