1st Edition

Theatre and Postcolonial Desires

By Awam Amkpa Copyright 2004
    220 Pages
    by Routledge

    220 Pages
    by Routledge

    This book explores the themes of colonial encounters and postcolonial contests over identity, power and culture through the prism of theatre. The author examines the work of prominent Nigerian and British playwrights who came of age after the passing of the British Empire.

    Introduction: Colonial Modernity, Postcolonial Desires and a Cultural Practice Nigeria 1. Wole Soyinka: Theatre, Mythology and Political Activism 2. Femi Osofisan: Theatre, Nation and the Revolutionary Ideal 3. Tess Onwueme: Theatre, Gender and Power 4. Yoruba Travelling Theatres: Popular Theatre and Searches for Postcolonial Subjectivity 5. Theatre, Democracy and Community Development: Ahmadu Bello University and the Nigerian Popular Theatre Alliance England 6. John Arden: Dramatizing the Colonial Nation 7. David Edgar: Theatre and Decolonizing Identities 8. Caryl Churchill: Decolonizing Gender and Class 9. Monstrosities, Deviants and Darkies: Monstrous Regiment, Gay Sweatshop and Black Theatres in England Conclusion Notes

    Biography

    Awam Ampka is currently Associate Professor of Drama at the Tisch School of the Arts, New York University. He trained in Nigeria under Wole Soyinka and completed a PhD in Drama at the University of Bristol. He is the author of critical essays, plays (Not in my Season of Songs; Ajasco), director of film documentaries (Winds Against Our Souls; It's All About Downtown; National Images/Transnational Desires) and the feature film Wazabia.