In writing Feminist theatre in Nigeria, my aim is to provide critical insight into the struggles faced by women in my country and to highlight how they are continuously challenging these adversities.
Through a combination of analytical and descriptive methods, this dissertation seeks to argue that the male-authored Nigerian plays often reinforce outdated stereotypes and contribute to the marginalization of women. This dissertation will look at contemporary male playwright who continued with the stereotypical portrayal of female characters. By scrutinizing these portrayals, the study aims to highlight the ongoing need for more nuanced and complex representations of women in Nigerian theatre, challenging the legacy of patriarchal dominance and promoting a more inclusive and equitable literary landscape. To this end, this study will delve into how female playwrights and theatre practitioners are actively challenging and reshaping the patriarchal portrayals such as Zulu Sofola, Tess Onwueme and Julie Okoh. Furthermore, this dissertation will highlight the contributions of contemporary female playwrights in Nigeria, such as Ifeoma fafunwa and Bolanle Aust-Peters.
By examining both male-authored and female-authored works, this study also aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of how feminist theatre in Nigeria is evolving. It will explore the impact of these narratives on societal perceptions and the broader cultural discourse. This dissertation seeks to illuminate the transformative power of theatre in challenging entrenched gender norms and advocating for a more equitable and nuanced representation of women. Through this exploration, the study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of how feminist theatre can serve as a catalyst for social change and a platform for amplifying women’s voices in Nigeria.
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