UEW/TAR 125
DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS EDUCATION
COURSE CODE: (TAR 125) Diploma/ Degree
COURSE TITLE: AFRICAN PLAY AND PLAYWRIGHT
CREDITS: 3
LECTURER: Michael Akenoo (0249939550)
PERIOD: Monday (12:30 - 2:30 p.m.)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
A comprehensive and detailed discourse on what constitute an African play in terms of context are discussed and presented. It takes a critical look at all the possible attributes that can be presented for an African play in the context of African traditions, customs and values, etc, The discourse leads to a possible line of demarcation for the differentiation of an African play from that of European play. To this end, structure, style, subject, theme dialogue, mode of presentation, etc. are discussed and presented to arrive at a possible criterion that can determine an African play.
A cross section of African playwrights and their works are studied in terms of background, sources, influences, thematic interest, dramatic style, language, textual problems, theatrical problems and theatrical possibilities.
The impact that African playwrights have been able to make in the African milieu is discussed and presented. For example, South African playwrights like Lewis Nkosi, Attol Fugard, etc writings inspire agitation and protest against the evils of apartheid system of rule which crumbled in the 1990s.
The continued search for an African theatre by these playwrights are looked at and assessed to find out their successes and failures in this direction.
READING LIST
- Pietro Deandrea, Cross Cultures Fertile Crossings Rodopi B. V. Amsterdam, New York, N. Y. 2002.
- Nkosi Lewis: Tasks and Masks in African Literature, Longman Group Ltd. U. K. 1981.
- Mutuiso, C. M. Socio-Political Thought in African Literature, The Macmillan Press Ltd., London and Bassingstoke 1974.
- Pierterse, Cosmos/ Munro, Donald, Protest and Conflict in African Literature, Heinemann Educational Books Ltd 48 Charles Street London WIX 8 AH 1969.
- Amuta Chidi, The Theory of African Literature Zed Books Ltd, London 1989.
- Durosmi Jones, African Literature Today, A review (No.7) Heinemann Educational Books Ltd. 22 Bedford Square London WCIB 3HH 1975.
- Wole Soyinak, An Appraisal, Heinemann Educational Publishers Oxford Ltd 1986.
- Wole Soyinka, Myth Literature and the African World, Cambridge University Press, 40 West 20th Street New York, NY 10011 U.S.A. 1976.
Course Objectives
This course aims at helping students to grasp the concepts and ideas in African philosophy and cosmology, and thus lead students to understand and appreciate the points of view of African playwrights in the context of their styles, themes and subjects that they choose for their works.
Ultimately, students will acquire various ideas and concepts that will help them to contribute positively to the ongoing search for an African theatre in the context of African philosophy and cosmology.
Assessment
Assignments in Class 40%
End of Semester Exam. 60%
Topics
Week 1 & 2: Marriage of Anansewa
Week 3 & 4: Sons and Daughters
Week 5 & 6: The Gods Are Not to Be Blamed
Week 7 & 8: The Trial of Dedan Kimarthi
Week 9 & 10: The Lion and the Jewel
Week 11 & 12: Sizwe Bansi is Dead
Week 13 & 14: Kivuli
Note: There will be handouts
