WOLE SOYINKA's Death and the King's Horseman: Tragedy and Ritual Drama

[@gladysagyeiwaadenkyi-manie3691]

The extracted conversation between Iyaloja and the Elesin is something else. Thanks you prof.

[@CriticReadingWriting]

Glad you liked it, Ageyiwaa.

[@marias788]

Thank you so much for the video! I am studying for a literature exam now and this was extremely helpful. Loved the play and your analysis as well. Nice drumming and your delivery of the quotes made them more impactful for me.

[@gliamiadro]

"I need understanding" - that Elesin's sentence in the 5th act strangely echoes Mrs. Pilkins's to Olunde in the 4th: "I feel the need to understand as much as I can".

[@kwabenaopoku-agyemang1558]

I like the point about markets and liminality. Looking sharp too!

[@CriticReadingWriting]

Yes, it was a great choice by Soyinka to set the opening scene at the market. And in fact, what he illustrates there can also be found at our own Makola. I remember going there with Grace to get some groceries some time in December 2019 when we came home for Christmas and what should we find at the grocery stands alongside Makola no. 2? Giant speakers blasting a whole array of music (Davido and Tekno were in there!) while the women broke from their selling of tomatoes, okro, etc. from time to time to either sing loudly along or simply rise for a quick jig, all the while with an eye on their customers. Laughter and jokes were in abundance. And it was clear that this was not the only time. There are particular features of festival theatre that are often illustrated in our open air markets.

[@aadiouf73]

Thank you very much Professor! Your explanations are clear, very clear. From Senegal

[@CriticReadingWriting]

Thanks, Abdoulaye. I am glad you found the episode useful.

[@jethrofriday2350]

Thanks for this it's helpful to time

[@xRomina]

I have read DATKH but I didn’t have a very good understanding of it. Thank you for this video, professor!

[@CriticReadingWriting]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lalalali90elal42]

wow, really love this development for the book, thank you so much prof!!

[@prabhatmishra3042]

This is the best analysis

[@mitchellforney6109]

Holy Moly!! Back in 1999, I worked in the booth, running either the light or the sound board (don't remember which, I did both for so many shows) when this play was performed on the main stage of Harbach Theatre at Knox College, in Galesburg, Illinois. Mr. Soyinka himself even attended one of the performances; I think it was opening night. I remember being kinda surprised at how many of the (white) regulars didn't even bother to audition for this MAIN STAGE, PROFESSOR DIRECTED production, of which there were only three per year! It's not like there aren't meaty European characters to play here! But all those roles went to freshmen, while the African character roles went to black students who really hadn't been so actively encouraged to participate in the department, even if they hadn't been actively excluded. I'm not trying to be critical of any individuals involved here, just saying what I remember feeling at the time, as it's an experience that has stuck with me ever since. I remember this production with great pride, fondness, and love.

[@mitchellforney6109]

"Sacred Dread." This.

[@kwabenaopoku-agyemang1558]

Lovely drumming as well 🪘 🙌🏾

[@CriticReadingWriting]

Thank you, Kwabena 🙌!

[@benjaminashley7041]

Interesting video, African Literature even in written form does not deviate from oral tradition- i like the drumming. I haven't read Death and the King's Horseman but this video has whet my appetite to read it. And in teaching tragedy i think lecturers in Africa can use this book (and other African books) in addition to Oedipus the King. Thank you Prof Quayeson.

[@CriticReadingWriting]

Hi Benjamin, I am glad that you enjoyed the episode, and that it has whet your appetite for Death and the King's Horseman. There is now a long and complicated debate about the relationship between orality and African literature. The relationship between the two is no longer considered as so straightforward. I may put out an episode on the history of that question some other time.

[@Kingstudio0074]

❤ From India Sir👍

[@wagyenibee768]

Elaudey my E upper floor mate. Boatuuu