Author:
Veronica Joseph Dabo
Affiliation:
Department of Theatre Arts, Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan-Waya, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Abstract
Children’s Theatre is a child-centered programme designed to promote meaningful learning among children. Children learn effectively through stories, dance, drama, and games; hence, Children’s Theatre provides an appropriate platform for education. This paper examines the educational role of Tales by Moonlight, a children’s programme aired by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). It highlights how traditional storytelling, folklore, and drama contribute to children’s intellectual, moral, and social development.
Keywords: Tales by Moonlight, Children’s Theatre, Nigerian Television Authority, Education
Introduction
Children’s Theatre plays a vital role in the intellectual, emotional, and social development of children. It is designed to help children grow to their fullest potential by teaching values, social norms, and cultural identity in an engaging and relatable manner.
Theatre, as used in this study, is an extension of children’s natural play. Through storytelling and dramatic expression, children are encouraged to recall, reinterpret, and apply experiences to real-life situations. This process enables them to internalize moral values that shape their behavior in adulthood.
Children’s Theatre existed long before modern media. Traditionally, parents and elders gathered children under the moonlight after evening meals to tell folktales. Tales by Moonlight simply adapted this indigenous practice for television, preserving African storytelling traditions while using modern broadcast platforms.
Educational Value of Tales by Moonlight
Tales by Moonlight serves as a powerful educational tool because children naturally learn through imitation. Characters portrayed as heroes or heroines influence children’s perceptions, values, and moral judgment.
The programme:
- Transmits cultural values and traditions
- Encourages moral behavior
- Enhances language development
- Promotes social interaction
- Combines entertainment with education
Children’s Theatre also acts as a bridge between a child’s emotional experiences and their understanding of the environment, making learning both enjoyable and effective.
Children’s Theatre as a Tool for Moral Development
Children’s Theatre can function as a rite of passage from immaturity to emotional maturity. When children identify with characters in stories, they begin to emulate positive traits such as honesty, obedience, kindness, and courage.
Storytelling represents the highest form of expression in childhood development. Through Tales by Moonlight, moral lessons are communicated clearly, leaving lasting impressions on young minds.
History of Tales by Moonlight
Tales by Moonlight was introduced in 1983 by Dr. (Mrs.) Victoria Ezeokoli. The idea emerged during a workshop held in Oguta, Imo State, which focused on dramatizing Nigerian folktales for children.
Later that year, another workshop in Lagos—organized in collaboration with a British production team—finalized the programme’s format. Dr. Ezeokoli served as the Executive Producer, while the show was produced for broadcast by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
Programme Format
The programme follows a traditional storytelling structure:
- An adult narrator (“Aunty”) sits with children under the moonlight
- Stories are introduced either by the narrator or the children
- The storytelling transitions into dramatized scenes
- Each episode concludes with a moral lesson explained to the children
This format reflects the traditional African method of passing cultural values from elders to younger generations.
Language Use
The programme uses simple English, suitable for children’s comprehension levels. Local languages and dialects are occasionally introduced to enhance cultural authenticity and understanding.
Setting
Stories cut across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups. Each episode reflects the cultural background of the story’s origin—whether Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, or others—through costumes, language, environment, and customs.
Educational Messages in Selected Episodes
The study highlights moral lessons from selected episodes:
1. The Stubborn Child
Themes:
- Obedience is important
- Listening to wise counsel prevents regret
This episode teaches children the consequences of stubbornness and the value of guidance.
2. The Vegetable Child
Themes:
- Wickedness is wrong
- Kindness and empathy are essential
The story emphasizes compassion and discourages cruelty.
3. The Proud Beauty
Themes:
- Pride leads to downfall
- Humility earns respect
Children learn the importance of humility and good character over physical appearance.
Relevance to Nigerian Education
Tales by Moonlight counters the negative influence of foreign media by promoting indigenous values and cultural identity. Children’s Theatre supports Nigeria’s educational goals by:
- Developing individual potential
- Preserving cultural heritage
- Encouraging moral discipline
- Promoting national consciousness
Conclusion
Tales by Moonlight remains a valuable educational medium that blends entertainment with moral instruction. Through storytelling and dramatization, it promotes cultural values, ethical behavior, and emotional development among Nigerian children. Children’s Theatre should therefore be strengthened and adapted to contemporary platforms to continue shaping future generations.
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