1st Edition

World Encyclopedia of Contemporary Theatre Africa

Edited By Ousmane Diakhate, Hansel Ndumbe Eyoh, Don Rubin Copyright 2001

    Now available in paperback for the first time this edition of the World Encyclopedia of Contemporary Theatre series examines theatrical developments in Africa since 1945. Entries on thirty-two African countries are featured in this volume, preceded by specialist introductory essays on Anglophone Africa, Francophone Africa, History and Culture, Cosmology, Music, Dance, Theatre for Young Audiences and Puppetry. There are also special introductory general essays on African theatre written by Nobel Prize Laureate Wole Soyinka and the outstanding Congolese playwright, Sony Labou Tansi, before his untimely death in 1995. More up-to-date and more wide-ranging than any other publication, this is undoubtedly a major ground-breaking survey of contemporary African theatre.

    Introductory Essays
    General - Wole Soyinka, Anglophone Africa - Hansel Ndumbe Eyoh, Francophone Africa - Ousmane Diakhate, History/Culture - Paul Zeleza, Music - Soulimane Kole, Dance - Werewere Liking, Theatre for Young Audiences - Wolfgang Wohlert, Puppetry - Henryk Jurkowski.

    Biography

    Ousmane Diakhate, Hansel Ndumbe Eyoh, Don Rubin

    'This is a fine example of the contribution made by UNESCO to the recording and encouragement of the world's cultural heritage. The vivid reality is conveyed, accompanied by some telling photos. I recommend this very welcome volume. - Reference Reviews

    'The subject is theatre as Africans have created and experienced it. The result is indispensable for anyone interested in either African culture or in modern theatre. It is a significant achievement.' - Times Higher Education Supplement