Synopsis "African Theatre 18"
This open issue of African Theatre is a departure from the traditional themed format to showcase the plethora of styles, approaches and perspectives that populate the contemporary field of African theatre studies, with contributions from Ethiopia, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa and Ghana. Focusing mainly on case studies, contributors engage a variety of performance forms, ranging from investigations into radical dramatic and popular musical performances, through "street theatre" (festivals and masquerade shows) and pop culture, to consideration of applied theatre, dance, audience, cultural performances and folktales. Articles address African American and African cultural dialogue; choreographic study; the carnivalization of indigenous African festivals; the stigmatization of disability; the performance of nationality, as well as orality and African performance aesthetics.Highlighted in this volume is the playscript of the detective play The Inspector and the Hero by Femi Osofisan, one of Africa's foremost playwrights.Volume Editor: CHUKWUMA OKOYESeries Editors: Yvette Hutchison, Reader, Department of Theatre & Performance Studies, University of Warwick; Chukwuma Okoye, Reader in African Theatre & Performance, University of Ibadan; Jane Plastow, Professor of African Theatre, University of Leeds.Table of ContentsIntroduction - Chukwuma Okoye"Man in the Mirror": The issue of appropriation in the exchange between African & African American popular culture - Stephanie ShonekanNAFEST Danceturgy in search of integration & identity: A study of selected Nasarawa State dance entries - 'Tosin Kooshima TumeCarnivalization of indigenous performance forms & the demystification of ritual essence in costume & mask designs of masquerade art - Bernard Eze OrjiAn initial investigation into contemporary theatre audiences in Malawi - Amy BonsallExploring educational theatre & peer learning to combat stigma & myths about albinism in school settings in Malawi - Zindaba ChisizaPerforming the Nation: Incorporating cultural performances into theatre in Ethiopia - Zerihun BirehanuOrality & the folktale: Metaphysical content & performance aesthetics of Anansesem - Sarah DorgbadziPlayscript: The Inspector & the Hero - Femi OsofisanBook Reviews edited by Sola Adeyemi
