Keywords
Ghanaian Literature, oral tradition, Theatre, Music, Setting, Edufa
Abstract
In the majority of African literature, it is crucial to pass on values and conventions to the next generation. Oral traditions including storytelling, music, lullabies, riddles, plays, and many more were used to accomplish this. This study examines some of the oral traditional performances that have been incorporated into Sutherland's literary form, as she incorporates oral literature and tradition into her play. Through Schechner's (2003) performance theory the study adopted the qualitative research design to underpin the analysis of the study. This study looks at Edufa, a play by Efua Sutherland, and how it creates a contemporary African tragedy by reinterpreting and adapting historic Akan oral forms. The drama is recreated within the cultural and intellectual setting of Ghana, even though it follows the same plot as Euripides' Alcestis. Sutherland's brilliant use of oral tradition serves to underline the major struggle between Edufa's individualistic, materialist viewpoint and the community values of his civilization, finally illustrating the catastrophic effect of forsaking tradition. To sum up, Sutherland does more than simply translate a Greek tragedy into an African context. Instead, she critiques the societal deterioration brought about by a naïve devotion to Western modernity by adapting the oral storytelling traditions of the Akan people. By placing the play in a well-known cultural context, Sutherland crafts a powerful and relevant tragedy that preserves traditional African identity and morals.
