African Drama History

Introduction of African Theater

Plays such as Bernard Dadi of Cte dIvoire show the influence from the traditions
of French comics.Another playwright with great influence in colonial history is Benin
from Jean Pliya.
Educated Western writers created a form of text in a very literal form of theater,
which audiences find appealing. Which include dances in their musical plays as well.
Village theater was very popular in Africa using its traditions such as, dance, music,
song, and spectacles.

West Africa.
The style and content of African urban theater is influenced by dramatic and
western theater.Colonial presence was influenced by western styles, as well as
European language in education, and trained artist.
Theater in Africa was known as entertainment for the people.African theater uses
it's traditions such as different type of dances, mimes, music, and story telling in
their performances.The type of theater varied on the location such as, South Africa,
West Africa or East Africa.African theater is a type of art that show and reveals a
feeling of drama,which is performed in sub-Saharan Africa.

Duro Lapido Moses Olaiya

Hubert Ogunde

Which started works such as drama bible tales from teachers in Christian African
churches. Ogundes production, The Garden of Eden of (1944), was performed at
Lagos church. Which in 1945 strike and hunger was influenced by Nigerian workers
and bosses from the colonies. All of the success Ogunde had inspired him to
become the leader of his concert party. which, is a style used from British concerts,
comedies, parties and political satires. Glees were performed through dance and
song which didn't relate to the plot as much at openings and closing.
Which started works such as drama bible tales from teachers in Christian African
churches. Ogundes production, The Garden of Eden of (1944), was performed at
Lagos church.

Southern Africa
In Southern Africa Zulu drama deals with radio plays.These became very popular
with the people.One of these plays was called "The Engagement Ring in 1971"
published by D.B.Z. Which originated from Ntulis Indandatho-yesithembiso
playwrights.
Directors such as Athol Fugard prospered from a theater in South Africa,
"protest".Even though the works of these directors weren't sophisticated, it still
brought a sence of entertainment.Directors such as;Winston Ntshona, John Kani, and
Barny Simons,who share the struggles that South Africa faced.
Poppie Nongena, was a musical piece with Thuli Dumakude starring in it. Africa
Today
Today African theater has really progressed and changed over time. People are more
open and accepting to drama plays and theater shows from Africa. The 21st century
really inspired new opinions of African theater.
Basically it has really had an impact on our society.Zimbabwe, is a development of
African theater as well. French directors left their mark with their language in west
Africa in the 1969's.Such as Daniel Surano which is a Theatre in Senegal. Aim
Csaire drama were presented there and where more well known playwrights are
performed.
Swahili drama is most popular with college and school pupils.It deals with viewing
different modern and traditional values.is particularly popular with school and
college students, especially when it explores the conflicting pressures of traditional
and modern values.There were many plays such as Penina O. Muhandos (1975;
Decoration).Which was shown in London and in New York around 1984. One of the
theaters which were most effective was In Zimbabwe.This was where small
professional companies like, The Peoples Theater by Ben Sibeneke located in
Harare.Directors such as;Winston Ntshona, John Kani, and Barny Simons,who share
the struggles that South Africa faced.
Poppie Nongena, was a musical piece with Thuli Dumakude starring in it.Which was
shown in London and in New York around 1984. One of the theaters which were
most effective was In Zimbabwe.This was where small professional companies like,
The Peoples Theater by Ben Sibeneke located in Harare.
Most performances starts in the afternoon and ends at night. Which is a theatrical
style that is performed today. The first performances of and African drama began in
the 1820s and the 1830s.
Dancers and Actors like Sandra Prinsloo, Musetta Vander performed in African
theatre. African plays are usually held outside so the community would be the
audience that makes a circle around the actors, when performances are inside you
would find more tourists. Play writers like Noureddine Aba wrote a lot of plays.
Mostly African Americans would direct the plays. Some famous African actors are
Fana Mokoena, Zakes Mokae , John Kani etc.

Reference
https://prezi.com/2smbtz4a90je/copy-of-african-drama-history/