Navigating the evolution of African Drama: Yoruba folk theatre and Wole Soyinka

Abstract

The present study aims to investigate the evolution of African drama, examining its shift from oral tradition to written literature. This research article delves into the origin and evolution of contemporary Nigerian literary drama, exploring its development in the context of colonialism. It also examines the progression of African writing, tracing a line of development from D. O. Fagunwa, through Amos Tutuola, to Wole Soyinka. This research article explores the connection between the Yoruba folk opera and the Yoruba masquerade tradition. This study highlights Soyinka's deep appreciation for the Yoruba folk opera playwrights, both in terms of dramatic form and the incorporation of indigenous performance idioms. This study suggests that Wole Soyinka's incorporation of music, dance, Yoruba myths, allusions, rituals, mime, and festivals in his dramas reflects a desire to blend traditional folk opera with more sophisticated forms of drama.