African Drama

Paper Summary:

Analysis of 2 plays by African dramatist Wole Soyinka. Discusses fusion of traditional & modern forms in "The Lion & the Jewel" and "The Trials of Brother Jero." Conflicts re: traditional culture to culture of Europe. Themes explored. Colonial experience of Africa. Community customs. Treatment of women--bride price vs. marrying for love. Clash between African traditional religion & Christianity. Power of the idea of cummunity.

From the Paper:

"All forms of drama exist in Africa today, including drama from past and present, ritual and ceremony, dance mime and modern play. These forms can be found throughout the continent where traditional drama in the villages and imported amusements in films and television are found side by side. Traditional African drama is so tightly integrated into African religion and customs that identifying "theater" as a separate entity is unrealistic. There is a wide variety of staged theater in Africa, including not only written plays but also storytelling, puppetry, and ritual drama. The plays of Wole Soyinka show how traditional forms and modern forms are fused in plays that openly compare traditional culture to the culture of Europe as introduced in the age of imperialism.
In the play "The Lion and the Jewel" by Wole Soyinka, the..."

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