African Theories of Performance

African social life is imbued with theatricality. It entails a multiplicity of ever-shifting, nonliterary, performance genres (sacred and secular, “traditional” or “historical” and “popular”). Although there is usually a substantial degree of overlay, the role and purpose of these diverse performative genres vary widely from the strictly utilitarian to the purely aesthetic. With the aim of fully considering aspects of this multifaceted performance activity—of which Western-inspired drama is but a subcategory—we will investigate diverse critical paradigms that highlight and explore the potential of African expressive culture, performative practices and traditions and engage in critical discussions of performance histories, theories, and practices.

We will focus not only on “dramatic literature” but other performing arts as well as social performance. In this way, we aim to develop an interdisciplinary approach to African performance that broadly aligns with the actual practice of Africa’s playwrights, performers and theater practitioners.