The constraints and prospects in the use of costumes: the case of taasisi ya Sanaa na utamaduni Bagamoyo (TaSUBa)

The study examined the constraints and prospects in the use of costumes at TaSUBa. It employed a qualitative approach to study the factors that cause problems in designing, making, organizing, keeping and using costumes in drama and dance at TaSUBa. The sample was selected using a purposive sampling technique. Primary data were collected through a structured interview, questionnaire and participatory observation. Secondary data were collected through documentary sources, including TaSUBa Archive. Likewise, a focus group discussion was applied. Through it, a small number of eight individuals was drawn together to express their views on a specific given set of questions in a group environment. The data were presented through tabulation and the discussion of data was guided by the given research questions so as to capture essential generalizations accurately. The findings revealed a number of problems that face performing art students and tutors in designing, making and organizing costumes, getting costume materials, accessing costume shops, having no proper storage, lending and borrowing. Likewise, some problems in conection with skills and professionalism in costume designing, making and organization, were observed. The study revealed that factors that hinder the designing of costumes at TaSUBa are economic constraints, unpreparedness of performing art students and tutors, low level of education among performing artists and the production crew, lack of artistic skills and professionalism in designing and making the costumes. On the one hand, it was also revealed that there are no storage facilities for costumes. Furthermore the study has shown that there is neither costume department nor a section at TaSUBa that handle matters related to costumes.