ROLE INTERPRETATION TECHNIQUES AND THE NIGERIAN ACTOR: PETER FATOMILOLA IN FOCUS

Background of the Study
The definition of art as ‘skills in performance which may be acquired by experience, study or observation’ (Dean and
Cara, 3), applies also to the idea of acting as a performing art. Meanwhile, Whiting has described Acting as ‘the most
glamorous and fascinating” (185) art of the theatre. This could own to the fact that the actor is atheatre workforce that
is readily recognized by the audience, as well as by members of the society, due to his task. Hence the Actor is the
“image maker” of the theatre, there is the need to develop and improve his capacity, so that he can maximize his impart
on the society.
For the purpose of providing a document that can improve the quality of acting in the Nations performing Art industry,
this study seeks to examine and analyze the acting techniques and approaches of an outstanding Nigerian actor.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Statistics have revealed that the Nigerian video film industry, popularly known as “Nollywood”, is the “world’s 3rd
largest producer of films” (Wikipedia). However,one can observe that this achievement describes production in terms
of quantity, and not quality. The quality of the “Nollywood” films, with regards to technical inputand acting still
remains poor. Among other factors, the poor quality of acting owns to the problem of incompetence and inadequacies
on the part of untrained, but ambitious individuals who parade themselves as Actors. It is the researcher’s thinking that
a study ofthe acting skill and techniques of a successful indigenous actor will not only help in the aspect of
documentation of the African experience in the acting industry, but such document can aid incompetent actors and
ultimately improve the quality of acting in the Nigerian Video Film Industry.
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1.3 Aim and objectives of the Study
This researcher aims at improving the capacity of the Nigerian actor by documenting the acting technique and approach
of a role model, and successful Nigerian veteran Actor. The objectives of the study shall include, but not be limited to,
the following:
1) To review the history and development of acting.
2) To survey the Nigerian acting profession on stage and on screen.
3) To analyze the acting techniquesand approaches for role interpretation.
1.4 Justification of the Study
The justification of this study also lies in its purpose for improving the quality of acting on the Nigerian Actor so as to
expand patronage for the industry, and ensure a better impact on the society. Thus, it seeks to engender growth in the
Acting profession for stage and screen.
1.5 Significance of the Study
The strong influence of western education on the Nigerian performing arts, including acting, makes it difficult to
account for technical innovations derived from the Nigerian experience. This research, which shall document the acting
techniques of a veteran Nigerian actor, with regards to role interpretation, shall serve as a useful resource material for
actors in the Nigerian industry, and for scholars on research in the field of acting.
1.6 Scope and limitationof the Study
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The scope of this research shall focus on the techniques for role interpretation deployed by a successful Nigeria Actor
Peter Fatomilola, who is a model to many actors in the Yoruba Regional video Film Industry. Peter Fatomilola has
stared and featured in numerous films, but this study shall limit its investigation only two (2) of such video films, titled
Asiri Aye (2015) and Oparun(2015)
1.7 Research Methodology
This research depends largely on literary fact and its primary source shall be from the performances of the actor
understudy and interviews with the actor, while the secondary sources shall include textbooks, journals, encyclopedia,
library archival, and internet resources etc. The study shall adopt Modern Language Association (MLA) style of
documentation, and the research methodology shall be mainly based on the interview method.
1.8 Definition of Terms
Terms and phrases, which will serve as pivot for this study have been defined accordingly. They shall include the
following: Acting, Role Interpretation, Techniques, Documentation, and Approaches.
1.1.1 Acting: This term refers to the “imitation” of an action and character
by a performer(actor) for the audience’s view, be it on stage or for screen medium.
1.1.2 Role interpretation: This phrase describes the primary duty of an actor in relation to a performance script. It is
the fulfilment of this task, by an actor, alongside with other performers that give life to the script.
1.1.3 Techniques: This refers to the manner and approach with which an actor’s skill is manipulated to achieve a
desired result.