Communication and Media Codes Journal

A JOURNAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MASS COMMUNICATION, UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA

ISSN: 3093-0693

REVOLUTIONIZING THE NIGERIAN THEATRE AND FILM INDUSTRY FOR THE FUTURE: THE ROLE OF THE ROBO ACTOR

Joyce Austen Onyekuru, PhD

Abstract

This study examined the role of the robo actor in revolutionizing the Nigerian theatre and film industry for the future. The Nigerian theatre and film industry is constantly evolving and open to technological transformations. The advent of the ‘Robo Actor’, a technological innovation designed to revolutionize traditional storytelling and performance paradigms is a possibility that can be deployed into the film industry known as Nollywood.. Employing technological determinism and postcolonial theoretical frameworks, this study explored the transformative potential of integrating robo actors into the Nigerian theatre and film production. Technological determination suggests that these technological transformations would inevitably lead to shifts in societal structures and cultural practices, while postcolonial theory provides an insight towards examining how these shifts may challenge, reinforce or redefine the narratives and identities shaped by Nigeria’s colonial history and its aftermath. By integrating advanced robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), robo actors offer unprecedented precision, versatility, and consistency, potentially enhancing the creative possibilities of theatre and film production. This paper examined the implications of this integration in Nollywood for future film revolution in Nigeria, actors’ employment, audience perceptions of authenticity and reliability, and the preservation of cultural heritage and storytelling traditions. It also investigated the potentials for robo actors to democratize film and theatre production by reducing costs and making high quality productions more accessible. Through quantitative percentage analysis of online survey questionnaires, the study assessed the readiness of the Nigerian theatre and film industry for this technological integration and strategies for balancing innovation with the preservation of the rich cultural legacy of Nollywood. The findings recommended a roadmap for deploying robotic technology to enhance the global competitiveness and sustainability of the Nigerian theatre and film industry, without compromising its cultural integrity and artistic value. Keywords: Revolution, Theatre, Film Industry, Future, Robo Actor
Volume:
Vol. 2. January, 2025
Year of Publication:
2025

Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief

Prof. Michael O. Ukonu

Deputy Editor-in-Chief

Dr Blessing Chinweobo-Onuoha

Associate Editors

Prof. L.I. Anorue

Prof. J. Wogu

Prof. G. Ezeah

Prof. C.C. Okpoko

Review

Dr Chidiebere Nwachukwu

Dr Ozioma Nwokedi

Dr Victor Nwogbo

Dr Belinda Anyakoha

Dr Uchenna Eze

Dr Ike Ugbor

Secretary

Dr Stephen Ogbodoh

Design Editor

Dr Ike Elike

Business Manager

Dr Martin Ezugwu

Editorial Consultants

Prof. Nnanyelugo Okoro, Department of Mass Communication, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State

Professor Sunny Udezeh, Department of Mass Communication, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Enugu State

Professor Ezekiel Asemah, Vice Chancellor’s Office, Glorious Vision University, Benin, Edo State

Professor Jude Terna Kur, Department of Information Science and Media Studies, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State

Prof. Rotimi Williams Olatunji, School of Communications, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State

Prof Walter Ihejirika  

Dr. Chukwujekwu Charles Onwuka Department of Sociology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus. Email: cc.onwuka@coou.edu.ng
WhatsApp no: 08064396459