Deference and defiance: African theatre and Femi Osofisan's signifying difference

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe pristine crisis that confronted modern African theatre was that of coming to terms with its conflicting heritages: the western literary and the indigenous African oral traditions. Through the ages practitioners have tended to meld these two traditions, often with qualified successes. This article argues that Femi Osofisan is one notable African dramatist who has distinguished himself in this feat, creating a contemporary theatre that passionately answers to the challenging reality of his society's everyday existence.