Theatre And Cultural Development: A Focus On Efua T. Sutherland’s Edufa And Zulu Sofola’s Wedlock Of The Gods

ABSTRACT Over the years, African writers have contributed immensely to the development of culture. Their contributions are made possible by the fact that, culture has become the main source of material for their creative works. Consequently, their works have become a documentation of their culture. There is therefore much evidence to support the assertion that theatre is a very important medium for cultural transformation and development. The study established the fact that colonialism and its effects on African culture is a motivation for Post-Colonial writers such as Zulu Sofola and Efua T. Sutherland. This research sought to identify and analyse the use of cultural practices in Sutherland’s Edufa and Sofola’s Wedlock of the Gods. The study further examined how relevant these cultural practices are to current society; this then informed which of the practice needed recommendation. Primary data for the study was acquired mainly from the play texts, interviews and a focus group discussion. Additional data was also gathered from published books, online journals and articles among others. Through the analysis of the collected data, the study identified widowhood rites, marriage, extended family, the role of diviners among others as some of the cultural issues discussed within the plays.