History of African Theatre

Africa is a diverse continent, consisting of many different cultures, ethnicities, religions, social mores and values. The content and style of African Theatre are influenced by both African dramatic traditions and Western culture.  However, the degree and manner of foreign influence differ greatly from country to country. Despite the differences from country to country, African Theatre have always dealt with serious social and political issues, being brought to life through 'village theatre,' a popular tradition which is based on traditions of music, song, dance and story telling.  The African Theatre Ensemble strives to not only to educate our patrons but to embrace our history, implementing all cultural art forms that have been adopted throughout the ages. Below, is a brief historical sketch of African Theatre throughout the ages, divided into regions, as their history is all different.

West Africa
The first professional theatres in Nigeria were companies created by actor-managers. The three most successful—Hubert Ogunde, Kola Ogunmola, and Duro Ladipo all started their work as teachers which involved in dramatizing Bible stories in Christian churches. Ogunde’s first production was The Garden of Eden followed by a secular satire, Strike and Hunger, inspired by a clash between Nigerian workers and their colonial bosses. Nigerian independence in 1960 brought an explosion of creativity in the urban arts oriented toward new African forms and a rejection of colonial influences. This resulted in a creative confidence in literary and popular theatre that was to be influential throughout Africa. Traveling theatres, known as Yoruba Opera companies, took to the road springing popular playwrights such as Ladipo, who created spectacular productions dramatizing themes from Yoruba mythology and history.

East Africa
In the early 50’s and 60’s there was an emergence of theatre in East Africa. An important Ethiopian playwright is Kabbada M'kael, whose historical play Hannibal was performed in Dakar, Senegal. Another well know playwright, Mangistu Lamm wrote and produced Yalaccha Gabbiccha (“Marriage of Unequals”), which deals with social inequality.
Somali theatre has been firmly established since the 50's and is very popular but many scripts still remain to be published, however, Somali theatre has been compared to that of the Elizabethan era in England in its combination of popular entertainment with high art and its ability to excite the interest of a broad cross section of society.
Swahili drama is particularly popular with school and college students, especially when it explores the conflicting pressures of traditional and modern values as seen in Penina O. Muhando’s popular play Pambo.

Southern Africa
Zulu drama is the most successful dramatic art formand has huge audiences in Southern Africa.  These plays specfically speak of the tragedy of South Africa, with twists of humour touching on the most dire of situations—a quality found throughout Africa in village and urban drama. One of the best-known examples D.B.Z. Ntuli’s Indandatho-yesithembiso (The Engagement Ring.)
In Zimbabwe, the development of African theatre was hindered due to the fact they continually produce predominantly commercial Western theatre. However, the most effective theatre was in the hands of small semi-professional companies such as The People’s Theatre, directed by Ben Sibenke.
In Zambia, Stephen Chifunyise toured villages with his company, setting up a dramatic dialogue with his audiences.

Northern Africa
The distinction between Northern Africa and the rest of Africa is historically significant because of the effective barrier created by the Sahara. Throughout history this barrier has culturally separated the North from the rest of Africa and the cultures have become much more closely tied to Southwestern Asia and Europe than Sub-Saharan Africa. With this in mind, there have been plays that have been produced and developed, however these plays are not always influenced by African traditions, but focus more with Arabic and Muslim cultures, as this is the predominant culture and religion in these parts of Africa. Renowned playwright and one of the most important authors in the Arabic world, Tawfik al-Hakim partnered with ATE in 2002, to perform Fate of a Cockroach.

Information Courtesy of:
1. "African theatre." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2009. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 26 Nov. 2009 <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/757261/African-theatre>.