The Mmonwu Theatre: Igbo Poetry of the Spirits

This research is about Igbo mask chants. It provides an introduction and background information on the Igbo masking concept and tradition, explaining its nature, aspects and categories. It contains Igbo mask chants ? the ?mbem mmonwu? in their vernacular form and their translation in English form at least five different chanting masks. These chants are grouped according to common and prevailing themes regardless of their different sources or chants. They subsequently placed against the elements of poetry that act as parameters in order to ascertain whether the chants are poetry or not. After placing and testing the chants (mbem), it was discovered that they satisfied the requirements, met with the condition and are indeed poetry such that is unique and contextually relevant.