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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Agony, Antigone and the dialectics of resistance in African performance
Author:Adéyemí, SoláISNI
Year:2007
Periodical:African Performance Review
Volume:1
Issue:1
Pages:25-33
Language:English
Geographic term:Nigeria
Subjects:drama
resistance
About person:Femi Osofisan (1946-)
Abstract:This paper focuses on the political dynamics that inform the dialectics of resistance in African performance in the works of Nigerian playwright, Fémi Òsófisan. Since the era of independence, African writers have consistently pleaded against the subjugation of human freedom and justice, and the imposition of a Creonic code of administrative conduct by the ruling elite. The struggle between traditional values and identities and the hegemonic Western construction of African values forms the basis of most African performances from the nationalistic era, through the periods of independence to the present day. This struggle is sometimes referred to as the 'clash of cultures' or 'clash of sexes'. However, the muse of Fémi Òsófisan identifies and theatrically deploys a synthesis of postcolonial discourse that systematically constructs and authors a differing idealistic path, especially regarding the position of women in African society. In 'Tegonni: an African Antigone' (1999), a play set against the backdrop of colonial dependency in Africa, Òsófisan explores the angst felt by women in the face of modern-day Creons, while 'Women of Owu' (2006) questions the motives of male conquerors and heroes. The paper thus explores the discourse of the dialectics that inform these echoes. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract]
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