The Swamps

Ekpe Inyang.

Description

The Swamps presents a debauched tapestry of an utterly dehumanised Cameroonian society seeking regeneration through s a judicious deployment of myth, history, parables, song, mimicry and dance. The inclusion of these features of orature in this political allegory creates particular moods and atmospheres and lends colour and movement to dramatic action. The structure and function of the play defines the individual�s identity within the cosmic context which approximates the past and present. Inyang�s analysis of class political behaviour in Cameroon exposes the complete erosion of civil liberties by corrupt and venal elite. He impresses the theatre audience with his dramatic eloquence and the fervour of his commitment, and emblazones his name in the front ranks of alternative theatre. This is a rare theatrical gem that demonstrates a brilliant, sustained invention, with great depth and suggestive power.

Sujets

• Drama

Informations

• Publié par: Langaa RPCIG
• Date de parution: 16 juin 2015
• Nombre de lectures: 2
• EAN13: 9789956762637
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 3 Mo

Extrait

THE SWAMPS THE SWAMPS  Ekpe Inyang Ekpe Inyang

The Swamps

Ekpe Inyang

L a ng a a R esea rch & P u blishing CIG Mankon, Bamenda

Publisher: LangaaRPCIG Langaa Research & Publishing Common Initiative Group P.O. Box 902 Mankon Bamenda North West Region Cameroon [e-mail] www.langaa-rpcig.net Distributed in and outside N. America by African Books Collective [e-mail] www.africanbookscollective.com

ISBN: 9956-762-38-5 ©Ekpe Inyang 2015 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechinal or electronic, including photocopying and recording, or be stored in any information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher.

DISCLAIMER All views expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Langaa RPCIG.

Foreword The Swampsa debauched tapestry of the utterly presents dehumanised society in which Ekpe Inyang shows a community to have degenerated since his dramaturgy aims at a controlled and comprehended synthesis of human awareness. There is a judicious deployment of myth, history as well as parables, song, mimicry and dance. The inclusion of these features of orature in this political allegory creates not only particular moods and atmospheres but lends colour and movement to dramatic action. The structure and function ofThe Swampsthe defines individual’s identity within the cosmic context which approximates the past and present. In the play in which ritual and secret cults play a functional role within the community the audience is confronted with a multi- dimensional experimentation in subject matter and form. Mytho-poetic intent shows character types in all their finite ramifications and dialectical contradictions. These are seen in the forces which embody the irreconcilable goals of classes within the society. The playwright’s analysis of class political behaviour in Obon Obini’s Ekon exposes the complete erosion of civil liberties by corrupt and venal elite who have usurped political and economic power by virtue of their inheritance of the state apparatus. The element of instability is reflected in the fragility of political institutions characterized by violence and marked by an absence of commitment to the national ethos. This playwright has impressed the theatre audience with his dramatic eloquence and the fervour of his commitment, and emblazoned his name in the front ranks