Death and Burial in Nnentu Ngwa: Theatre in Burial Dirges and Rituals

Abstract

Death is inevitable and a sure reality for the living. Its reality mystifies the essence of life itself. Hence, the knowledge of what happens to the dead is limited to a living man. For it is often said that no man has died and returned to the same flesh and place. Death therefore is the end of man’s consciousness. But the beauty of it all is that everything dwells in dual opposite; while life is lived in consciousness, death is a termination of that consciousness. Between the living and the dead is a continuous effort to commune with each other through such mediums as dreams and invocations. The Igbo of the South East Nigeria believe in their ancestors and their protective guidance in the affairs of man. This belief is established and strengthened through such elements as songs, dance, invocations and rituals which are the primary ingredients of theatre. This paper examines the dirges and rituals in burial rites of the people of Nnentu Ngwa. Using a socio-cultural performance analysis, the paper discovers that there are various kinds of deaths such as Onwu oma (good death) and Onwu ojoo (bad death); each has its manner of burial and attracts different kinds of dirges and rituals. The paper concludes that dirges, dances, invocations at funerals are sources of consolation to the bereaved, enlightenment and spectacular entertainment to the mourners as well.