This essay examines the central role of a stage manager in the success of a theatre production through the performance of Wole Soyinka's satirical masterpiece, The Trials of Brother Jero, directed by Abiodun Olukayode Jethro and produced by Adeboye Gbenga Emmanuel. The study focuses on Adeboye Gbenga Emmanuel's exceptional stage management skills and how they contributed to the success and audience satisfaction of the performance at the Pit Theatre of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, on 22 December 2022. It also examines the importance of effective communication in managing the cast and crew for a successful production.

Excerpt

Abstract
Introduction
The Role of the Stage Manager
Adeboye Gbenga Emmanuel: The Maestro Behind the Scenes
Rehearsal Management
Effective Communication
The Performance: The Trials of Brother Jero

Objectives and Key Themes

This article aims to highlight the crucial, often overlooked, role of the stage manager in theatrical productions. It uses the successful 2022 performance of Wole Soyinka's The Trials of Brother Jero at Obafemi Awolowo University as a case study to showcase the exceptional skills of stage manager Adeboye Gbenga Emmanuel.

The importance of effective stage management in theatrical success.
The multifaceted skills required of a stage manager (organizational, communication, problem-solving).
The specific contributions of Adeboye Gbenga Emmanuel to the production of The Trials of Brother Jero.
The role of effective communication in managing cast and crew.
The successful staging of a satirical play.

Chapter Summaries

Abstract: This abstract examines the pivotal role of the stage manager in the successful theatrical production of Wole Soyinka's The Trials of Brother Jero, focusing on Adeboye Gbenga Emmanuel's exceptional skills and their contribution to audience satisfaction. The study also emphasizes the importance of effective communication in managing the cast and crew.

Introduction: The introduction establishes the often-unsung importance of the stage manager in theatrical success. It sets the stage for the article by focusing on the crucial role played by Adeboye Gbenga Emmanuel in the production of Soyinka's The Trials of Brother Jero, promising to illuminate this often-overlooked aspect of theatrical production.

The Role of the Stage Manager: This section defines the complex and multifaceted role of the stage manager, highlighting their responsibilities in connecting the director's vision with the cast and crew's execution. It emphasizes the organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills necessary for success, positioning the stage manager as the linchpin of a smooth production process, referencing Stern (2017) to support these claims.

Adeboye Gbenga Emmanuel: The Maestro Behind the Scenes: This section profiles Adeboye Gbenga Emmanuel, praising his exemplary understanding of the stage manager's role, his commitment, attention to detail, and ability to handle pressure. It presents him as a model stage manager, setting the stage for a detailed analysis of his contributions to the production.

Rehearsal Management: This section details Adeboye Gbenga Emmanuel's meticulous management of rehearsals, from initial script readings to the final dress rehearsal. It underscores his role in ensuring punctuality, line memorization, and flawless blocking, emphasizing how his guidance enhanced the overall performance quality (Pallin, 2015).

Effective Communication: This section highlights Adeboye Gbenga Emmanuel's masterful communication skills, not only in relaying the director's instructions but also in fostering a positive and collaborative working environment. His ability to bridge the gap between the creative and technical teams is emphasized as instrumental to maintaining a harmonious production (Stern, 2017).

The Performance: The Trials of Brother Jero: This section provides context for the production, describing Wole Soyinka's The Trials of Brother Jero as a satirical masterpiece critiquing Nigerian society. It highlights the director's emphasis on satire through irony, exaggeration, and invective, and attributes the production's success to the stage manager's effectiveness and the collaborative efforts of the cast and crew (Gold, 2018).

Keywords

Stage Management, The Trials of Brother Jero, Wole Soyinka, Satire, Theatrical Production, Effective Communication, Nigerian Theatre, Abiodun Olukayode Jethro, Adeboye Gbenga Emmanuel.

FAQ: A Comprehensive Analysis of Stage Management in Wole Soyinka's "The Trials of Brother Jero"

What is the main focus of this article?

This article focuses on the crucial role of the stage manager in theatrical productions, specifically highlighting the contributions of Adeboye Gbenga Emmanuel to the successful 2022 performance of Wole Soyinka's The Trials of Brother Jero at Obafemi Awolowo University. It uses this production as a case study to illustrate the importance of effective stage management.

What are the key themes explored in the article?

Key themes include the importance of effective stage management for theatrical success, the multifaceted skills required of a stage manager (organizational, communication, problem-solving), the specific contributions of Adeboye Gbenga Emmanuel, the role of effective communication in managing cast and crew, and the successful staging of a satirical play.

What is the role of the stage manager according to this article?

The article defines the stage manager as the linchpin of a smooth production process. Their role is multifaceted, encompassing organizational skills, effective communication with the cast and crew, and problem-solving abilities. They are responsible for connecting the director's vision with the practical execution of the production.

Who is Adeboye Gbenga Emmanuel, and what is his significance in this article?

Adeboye Gbenga Emmanuel is the stage manager for the 2022 production of The Trials of Brother Jero. The article presents him as a model stage manager, praising his exemplary skills, commitment, attention to detail, and ability to manage pressure. His contributions are analyzed in detail throughout the article.

How did Adeboye Gbenga Emmanuel contribute to the success of the production?

His contributions included meticulous rehearsal management (ensuring punctuality, line memorization, and flawless blocking), and masterful communication skills fostering a positive and collaborative working environment. He effectively relayed the director's instructions and bridged the gap between creative and technical teams.

What is the significance of Wole Soyinka's "The Trials of Brother Jero" in this analysis?

The play, The Trials of Brother Jero, serves as a case study. The article describes it as a satirical masterpiece critiquing Nigerian society. The successful production highlights the effectiveness of the stage manager and collaborative efforts of the cast and crew in bringing the director's vision to life.

What are the key takeaways from the article?

The article emphasizes the often-overlooked importance of effective stage management in theatrical productions. It showcases the crucial role of a skilled stage manager in ensuring a successful performance and highlights the specific contributions of Adeboye Gbenga Emmanuel to this particular production of The Trials of Brother Jero.

What are the keywords associated with this article?