THE THEME OF DEMOCRACY IN THE DRAMA OF OLA ROTIMI AND WOLE SOYINKA

Abstract

The preoccupation of this study is to critically examine the theme of democracy in Ola Rotimi's Our Husband has Gone Mad Again: a comedy and Wole Soyinka's Kongi's Harvest. Our choice of Rotimi and Soyinka is based on the fact that both of them rank toweringly among the most accomplished playwrights and theatre directors Africa has over produced. Indeed, their reputation as highly talented artists has gone far beyond the boundaries of Africa. Although the focus of the study is thematologic, we also examine the comedic and satiric techniques, which the plays employ to articulate the democratic theme. One observes that the relevance of the contemporary Nigerian and African political situation cannot be overemphasized. This is because the plays' action reflects the African political dilemma, which as a result of the myriad corrupt politicians and soldiers Africa produces. A particularly good lesson the two plays have succeeded in teaching is the historically validated fact that once there is articulated opposition to dictatorship, whether military or civilian, there is the hope to build a strong democratic structure.


(Humanities Review: 2001 1(2): 1-8)