A Exploring Indigenous Performance and Dramatic Elements in the '' Irreecha Ritual Celebration: A case study of Oromia, Ethiopia.

Abstract

This study examines the indigenous performance traditions and dramatic elements of Irreecha, a vibrant thanksgiving festival celebrated by the Oromo people in Oromia, Ethiopia. The general objective of the research is to investigate how performative and theatrical aspects of Irreecha including ritual songs, dances, processions, symbolic settings, dialogues, call-and-response chants, costumes, physical movements, and ritual gestures express Oromo cosmology, preserve historical memory, and reinforce social cohesion. The study is motivated by the need to highlight the cultural significance of indigenous performance practices that have often been marginalized in academic and cultural discourse. A qualitative research methodology is employed, combining participant observation during Irreecha ceremonies, in-depth interviews with cultural custodians, elders, and performers, and textual analysis of oral traditions. Data are analyzed thematically and interpretively to uncover patterns in dramatic expression, symbolic meaning, and social function. The findings reveal that Irreecha functions as a dynamic performative space where tradition and creativity converge. Its dramatic elements actively narrate communal stories, embody cultural values, and sustain collective memory. The festival demonstrates resilience by integrating traditional and contemporary elements, maintaining authenticity while adapting to changing social contexts. Based on these findings, the study recommends greater recognition of indigenous performance practices as vital tools for cultural preservation, education, and community cohesion.