Femi Osofisan est un dramaturge célébré dont l'œuvre explore la réinterprétation des classiques européens dans le contexte des traditions et coutumes africaines, spécifiquement yoruba. Sa recherche constante d'un théâtre écrit moderne, authentiquement africain tant par son thème que par sa forme, repousse les limites de l'expression théâtrale. Osofisan explore magistralement la fusion de diverses influences culturelles, de Shakespeare à Brecht et de Soyinka à Grotowski, pour forger un puissant 'théâtre engagé'. Ses pièces offrent une synthèse captivante d'héritage et d'innovation, abordant directement les réalités sociales et politiques complexes de l'Afrique contemporaine.
Set against the backdrop of Nigerian culture, this play showcases the playwright's commitment to highlighting the struggles of oppressed humanity. It explores the theme that while oppression is a human construct, humanity also possesses the power to dismantle it. The production features traditional Yoruba songs and incantations, enhancing its cultural richness, and includes a glossary for English translations, allowing for adaptability by other directors.
Set against the backdrop of war, this African retelling of Euripides explores the devastating impact on a community and its cherished city. First performed in Lagos in 2003 under the acclaimed direction of Chuck Mike, the play resonates with contemporary themes of violence and loss. Its poignant narrative highlights the timeless relevance of human suffering in the face of conflict, making it a compelling piece that has also toured the UK.
Set against the backdrop of local government corruption, the play features Isola, a mischievous traveler who is mistaken for the esteemed Public Complaints Commissioner, Tai Solarin. As he exploits this mix-up, the tension builds until the real Commissioner appears. Celebrating Solarin's legacy, this classic work by Femi Osofisan, first published in 1978, is enriched in this edition with the inaugural Tai Solarin Memorial Lecture delivered by Osofisan in 2004, highlighting the enduring impact of Solarin's contributions to education and public service in Nigeria.
Babalawo, Mystery-Master explores the rich tapestry of Yoruba culture through its engaging narrative and characters. The play delves into themes of spirituality, destiny, and the interplay between the seen and unseen worlds. Agbo Sikuade's work invites readers to experience the intricacies of traditional beliefs while highlighting the wisdom of the Babalawo, a revered spiritual figure. The story combines elements of drama and mysticism, offering a profound insight into the human experience and the quest for understanding in a complex universe.
Examines the impact of new media (such as video and YouTube) and the use of multi-media on live and recorded performance in Africa. Focuses on the ways African theatre and performance relate to various kinds of media. Includes contributions on dance; popular video, with an emphasis on video drama and soaps from Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Nigerian 'Nollywood' phenomenon; the interface between live performance and video (or still photography), and links between on-line social networks and new performance identities. As a group the articles raise, from original angles, the issues of racism, gender, identity, advocacy and sponsorship. Volume Editor: DAVID KERR is Professor of English in the University of Botswana, and is the author of African Popular Theatre Series Editors: Martin Banham, Emeritus Professor of Drama & Theatre Studies, University of Leeds; James Gibbs, Senior Visiting Research Fellow, University of the West of England; Femi Osofisan, Professor of Drama at the University of Ibadan; Jane Plastow, Professor of African Theatre, University of Leeds; Yvette Hutchison, Associate Professor, Department of Theatre & Performance Studies, University of Warwick
This second annual volume in the African Theatre series focuses on the intersection of politics and theatre in Africa today. Topics include the remarkable collaboration between Horse and Bamboo, a puppet theatre company based in the United Kingdom, and Nigerian playwright Sam Ukala that was inspired by the infamous execution of Nigerian playwright Ken Saro-Wiwa and other Ogoni activists; the plays of Femi Osofisan; and plays by Ghanaian playwrights Joe de Graft and Mohammed Ben-Abdallah. African Theatre features the work of Mauritian playwright Dev Virahsawmy and includes an interview with him, reviews of an English production of his play, Toufann, as well as the translated playscript. Reports of workshops and conferences, reviews, and news of the year in African theatre make this volume a valuable resource for anyone interested in current issues in African drama and performance.
"A truly worthwhile resource in a growing field of research--the theater and drama of Africa--this volume collects ten essays about theater practice, publications, and productions; in-depth reviews of 17 books; and a new play." --Choice "... a 'must-have' for anybody interested in issues relating to theatre and development in Africa.... a pioneering effort... " --H-Net Reviews Art as a tool, weapon, or shield? This compelling issue and others are explored in this diverse collection of intriguing perspectives on African theatre in development. Also here: strategies in staging, propaganda, and mass education, and a discussion of the playwright Alemseged Tesfai's career in service to Eritrean liberation.
