Narratives of Protest and Liberation: Analyzing Wole Soyinka's Plays through the Lens of Social Activism

Abstract

This paper explores the dynamics of social activism in the plays of Wole Soyinka, focusing on how his narratives serve as vehicles for protest and liberation. By examining key plays such as The Strong Breed, A Dance of the Forests, and Death and the King’s Horseman, the study highlights Soyinka's critique of socio-political injustices and his advocacy for change. The analysis reveals how Soyinka employs traditional African dramaturgy alongside modernist techniques to address issues of colonialism, corruption, and human rights, positioning his works as significant contributions to the discourse on social activism in African literature.