Abstract

This study sought to investigate the performance of Folktales and Proverbs. It is both library and field research based. It applies the qualitative research method of data collection and analysis and further uses sociological theory and performance theory to analyze data. The study set out to analyze the oral and Para-lingual performance of Ankole folk tales and proverbs. The study notes that performance is a very important ingredient in the appreciation of folktales and proverbs. Folktales are performed around the fire place, at night and especially on a moon-lit night. Folktales are seen as source of entertainment and a medium of instruction. The young children are taught the cultural values, customs and norms through folktales. Folktales have special opening and closing formulae. Interestingly, the closing of Ankole folktales depend on the group of banyankole; Bahima do not have the same ending as bairu. The ending of each group reflects its economic activities. Proverbs do not have a fix structure of performance, they are used in conversations to embellish the speeches, and they are also used to start a folktale.

Keywords: Performance, Folktales and proverbs