The Marriage of Anansewa Adapting the conventions of Akan story-telling, Efua Sutherland has succeeded brilliantly in producing a sparkling and hilarious play. Ananse's beautiful daughter, Anansewa, is his most valuable asset - if he can persuade one of the country's cheifs to marry her. But what if Anansewa doesn't love the chief? A small problem compared to what will happen if all the chiefs decide they want to marry Anansewa! Part farce, part serious social comment The Marriage of Anansewa is a fast-moving story of greed and cunning - with just a hint of youthful romance. Edufa Edufa is an honourable man - but what price has he paid for his wealth and position? In this sombre exploration of the dark side of ambition, Efua Sutherland gives a West African twist to Faust's pact with the Devil.

Western literature has become more influential in Africa since the independence of many of that continent's countries in the early 1960s. In particular, Greek tragedy has grown as model and inspiration for African theatre artists. This work begins with a discussion of the affinity that modern-day African playwrights have for ancient Greek tragedy and the factors that determine their choice of classical texts and topics. The study concentrates on how African playwrights transplant the dramatic action and narrative of the Greek texts by rewriting both the performance codes and the cultural context. The methods by which African playwrights have adapted Greek tragedy and the ways in which the plays satisfy the prevailing principles of both cultures are examined. The plays are The Bacchae of Euripides by Wole Soyinka, Song of a Goat by J.P. Clark, The Gods Are Not to Blame by Ola Rotimi, Guy Butler's Demea, Efua Sutherland's Edufa, Orestes by Athol Fugard, The Song of Jacob Zulu by Tug Yourgrau, Femi Osofisan's Tegonni, Edward Kamau Brathwaite's Odale's Choice, The Island by Fugard, John Kani, and Winston Ntshona, and Sylvain Bemba's Black Wedding Candles for Blessed Antigone.

A Companion to Tragedy is an essential resource for anyone interested in exploring the role of tragedy in Western history and culture. Tells the story of the historical development of tragedy from classical Greece to modernity Features 28 essays by renowned scholars from multiple disciplines, including classics, English, drama, anthropology and philosophy Broad in its scope and ambition, it considers interpretations of tragedy through religion, philosophy and history Offers a fresh assessment of Ancient Greek tragedy and demonstrates how the practice of reading tragedy has changed radically in the past two decades