This is the first publication of two early plays by Wole Soyinka, The invention ( 1959)
And The Detainee (1965). In some ways these plays represent a seedbed for Soyinka’s later and longer works - for instance, the absence of a central theme-bearing hero in the invention reflects the hesitant beginnings of Soyinka’s non- realist theatre. The play shows the young Soyinka as vocal commentator on the abuse
Of power and social injustices perpetrated by both European and African leaders.
Widely regarded as Soyinka’s first play, The Invention depicts disturbing race-instigated events taking place in the winter of 1976 in Johannesburg, south African;
In choosing this futuristic setting, 1976 the year in which the apartheid system would
Begin to crumble, the 23-year-old Nigerian playwright perhaps displays a certain prophetic power. The Detainee – a radio play- resembles The invention in its prophetic aspects, foreshadowing the playwright’s own imprisonment in 1967, but also pointing to certain aspects of Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to freedom.
Author: Wole Sinyinka, English, NonArt.
Specifications: Soft Cover, 230x160mm, 83 pages
, ISBN: 978 1868 883 295 .
Price (ZA) R55.00
Keywords: Bookstore, drama, johannesburg, South-African, the-invention-and-the-detainee, wole-soyinka
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