Global Theatre Anthologies: Ancient, Indigenous and Modern Plays from Africa and the Diaspora

The power of theatrical performance is universal, but the style and concerns of theatre are specific to individual cultures. This volume presents a reconstructed ancient performance text, four one-act indigenous African plays, and five modern dramas from various regions of Africa and the Caribbean Diaspora, exploring themes such as political establishment, oppression, identity, and dreams. The Caribbean plays add further perspective to African drama and culture, and the global perspectives approach encourages thinking across boundaries and connective human understanding.

Format: Hardback
Length: 424 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The power of theatrical performance is truly universal, transcending boundaries of culture and time. However, the style and themes of theatre vary greatly across different cultures. This remarkable volume, part of the esteemed Global Theatre Perspectives series, presents a reconstructed ancient performance text, four one-act indigenous African plays, and five modern dramas from various regions of Africa and the Caribbean Diaspora. These plays, spanning centuries and created by artists from diverse backgrounds, offer a unique glimpse into the timeless elements that resonate across time and space.

One of the captivating aspects of these plays is the physicalized ritual, direct interaction with spectators, improvisation, music, drumming, and metaphorical animal characters that contribute to the theatrical forms. These elements serve as powerful tools for storytelling and exploring complex themes. Recurring themes in these plays include the establishment or challenge of political authority, the oppression or corruption of government, societal expectations based on gender, the intricate and transformative nature of identity, and the profound power of dreams.

While each play stands on its own as a unique entity, reading them together allows readers to delve into the essential theatrical elements and cultural concerns that are uniquely African. The Caribbean plays in this volume add further depth and perspective to the exploration, shedding light on the values, theatrical practices, and relationships between Africa and the Caribbean. Among the creators of these pieces are two Nobel Laureates, individuals who have faced exile or imprisonment due to the political nature of their work, and the author of his country's first constitution.

This volume serves as an invaluable primary text for an intensive semester-long investigation of African drama and culture. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the rich tapestry of African theatrical traditions and their impact on global theatre. Alternatively, it can be used alongside other volumes in the series as texts for a single course on drama from around the world, adopting a global perspectives approach that fosters cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

In conclusion, the power of theatrical performance is universal, but the style and concerns of theatre are specific to individual cultures. This volume in the Global Theatre Perspectives series offers a remarkable exploration of African drama and culture, presenting a reconstructed ancient performance text, four one-act indigenous African plays, and five modern dramas. Through its diverse offerings, readers are invited to witness the timeless elements that unite theatre across time and space, while also gaining insights into the unique cultural perspectives of Africa and the Caribbean.

Weight: 467g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350360693