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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | 'The Trials of Brother Jero' and 'The Island' |
Author: | Agoro, Saviour N.A. |
Year: | 2007 |
Periodical: | International Journal of Humanistic Studies |
Volume: | 6 |
Pages: | 72-80 |
Language: | English |
Geographic terms: | Nigeria South Africa |
Subject: | drama |
About persons: | Wole Soyinka (1934-) Athol Fugard (1932-) John Kani Winston Ntshona |
Abstract: | There is a dynamic dualism in the relationship between a play and the society in which it is based: the playwright, deriving materials for his play from society, recreates that society in a discernible way. The society thus gives rise to a play and the play in turn reflects the society in which it is based. This is illustrated by an analysis of two plays: 'The Trials of Brother Jero' (1964) by Nigerian writer Wole Soyinka, and 'The Island' (1976) by South African writers Athol Fugard, John Kani and Winston Ntshona. The plays are analysed to reveal the ills in both societies that are mirrored in them: exploitation and corruption in Nigeria, and apartheid with its unjust laws in South Africa. The paper concludes that there is a third aspect in the relationship between a play and society; the playwright's personal experiences also influence the work he creates. Bibliogr., sum. [ASC Leiden abstract] |