ABSTRACT
Ngugi wa Thiong’o is known throughout the world for his writing of novels, e.g. Petals
of Blood (1977) and critical essays, e.g. Delolonising the Mind (1994). With the writing
of The Trail of Dedan Kimathi (1977), in collaboration with Micere Mugo, he became
known as a playwright as well. The two community plays, I Will Marry When I Want
(1982) and Mother, Sing for Me, brought focus to indigenous Kenyan theatre. They were
created and performed by the Kamiriithu-villagers in the theatre they have built
themselves, until they were stopped by the government. The provocative I Will Marry
When I Want was the cause of Ngugi’s detainment by the Kenyan government. Ngugi
used the theatre as a platform for his cultural, social and political utterances in his quest
to change the society.
Very little was written about Ngugi’s plays. This research intends to study the available
sources and his plays carefully to formulate an overall view of the importance of this
genre of Ngugi. The content, themes, characters and the indigenous cultural expressions,
e.g. songs, dances and mimes will be analysed. As the community and audience
involvement played a huge role in Ngugi’s theatre process and performances, they will
receive prominent attention.
This research project will to investigate the observations of other scholars on African
theatre, as well as the different styles of theatre practiced by Ngugi. The research will
investigate the recurrent themes and explore the influence Ngugi had on the theatre of
Kenya. As an activist he propagated a strong message that the masses should unite
against the oppression and exploitation by the ruling regime.
DER, S (2021). Ngugi Wa Thiong’o And Kenyan Theatre In Focus. Afribary. Retrieved from https://afribary.com/works/ngugi-wa-thiong-o-and-kenyan-theatre-in-focus
DER, S.A. "Ngugi Wa Thiong’o And Kenyan Theatre In Focus" Afribary. Afribary, 28 Apr. 2021, https://afribary.com/works/ngugi-wa-thiong-o-and-kenyan-theatre-in-focus. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.
DER, S.A. . "Ngugi Wa Thiong’o And Kenyan Theatre In Focus". Afribary, Afribary, 28 Apr. 2021. Web. 18 Dec. 2024. < https://afribary.com/works/ngugi-wa-thiong-o-and-kenyan-theatre-in-focus >.
DER, S.A. . "Ngugi Wa Thiong’o And Kenyan Theatre In Focus" Afribary (2021). Accessed December 18, 2024. https://afribary.com/works/ngugi-wa-thiong-o-and-kenyan-theatre-in-focus