Changes in Bahaya theatre in the post-independence era: heroic recitation as a case study (1960s — 2000s)

This research is concerned with the study of the changes in heroic recitation as one of the Bahaya theatre forms. The purpose of this study was to explore the changes in Bahaya traditional theatre in the post-Independence era, heroic recitation in particular, and the factors that influenced such changes. Observation, Equipment (camera, notebook, tape recorder, and audiocassettes), Sampling and Data collection was the methodology used. The findings of this study have shown that the Bahaya heroic recitation is presented in different modes. It is performed in a variety of styles. Various suggestions from these findings suggest that though changes in heroic poems are inevitable, the practitioners should not divorce themselves completely from its basic elements. The major aspect of Bahaya heroic recitations was/is 'HEROISM', Heroism is the 13ahaya community was cohesion of social unit in various activities. Thus, heroic recitations resulted into different categories. Those include war, hunting, wedding, informal, paying homage, and heroic recitations and so on. Economy, religion, science, technology, and education are among the social institutions that, under the current globalization system, have brought changes in Tanzanian ethnic groups. Bahaya heroic recitation as part of theatre is among those social aspects that have been changing. The past knowledge should, as well be preserved. By doing that, the style of presentation can remain basically the same, and the massages carried in the style especially, can stay the same too.