Crash Course Theater: African Theater

The video explores the rich and diverse traditions of African theatre, focusing on the influential Nigerian playwright Wole Soyinka. It discusses the challenges of documenting African theatre history due to colonial impacts and language barriers. Traditional performance practices from various African cultures are highlighted, along with the evolution of theatre post-independence. Wole Soyinka's contributions, including his fusion of Western and African aesthetics, are examined. The video concludes with a preview of the next episode on Broadway musicals.

What percentage of the world's land mass does Africa cover?

• 40%

• 20%

• 10%

• 30%

Why is African theater history not widely discussed in America?

• Both B and C

• Limited written documentation

• Focus on European theater

• Lack of interest in theater

Which festival involves the Yoruba people in Nigeria?

• Catawba

• Anansi Sam

• Egungun

• Domme

What was a significant change in African theater after independence?

• Decline in theater activities

• Support for black literary theater

• Increased European influence

• Focus on children's theater

Who founded the Ghana Drama Studio?

• Athol Fugard

• Wole Soyinka

• Efua Sutherland

• Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o

What is Wole Soyinka known for in the context of African theater?

• Introducing Western theater to Africa

• Writing children's plays

• Winning the Nobel Prize for Literature

• Creating the first African opera

What themes are prevalent in Soyinka's plays?

• Historical epics

• Science fiction

• Conflicts between tradition and modernity

• Romantic comedies

What is the central conflict in 'Death and the King's Horseman'?

• A family feud

• A clash of cultures

• A love triangle

• A political uprising

How does Soyinka suggest 'Death and the King's Horseman' should be interpreted?

• As a comedy

• As a historical recount

• As a metaphysical exploration

• As a simple cultural clash

What does the play 'Death and the King's Horseman' fuse together?

• Western classical tragedy and Yoruba masquerade

• Greek mythology and African folklore

• Modern dance and traditional music

• European opera and African storytelling