Assignments Page

ASSIGNMENTS FOR DRAM/SPAT 409 (1^ST SEMESTER, 2006):

1. On Kobina Sekyi’s The Blinkards (Rex Collings, London:1974): write 2 to 4 pages (typed) on any one of the following titles:

a)      The use of forts and castles and their historical impact on Ghana’s history.

b)      Either the effects of cultural intrusion on characterization, or the play as a whole.

c)      Kobina Sekyi’s own background and ideas that have shaped the play.

d)      What are some of the thematic concerns of the playwright? Which character is his mouthpiece, and why?

e)      In what ways do you consider Mrs. Brofosem, Mr. Onyimdzi, Miss Tsiba and Mr. Okadu as being central to the main issues raised in the play?

f)        Research into the Marriage Ordinance of 1884 and point out some of its weaknesses addressed in the play.

g)      What elements and devices in the play make it a satire?

h)      To what extent is the play a reaction to external influences?

(DUE DATE : October 20, 2006).

2. On Efua Sutherland’s The Marriage of Anansewa [Longman: 1970]: same instructions as above:

a)      The play is usually dismissed as one that promotes cheating. Do you share this view?

b)      Write an essay on how the playwright attempts to transpose Anasesem (Ananse storytelling in the indigenous setting) into Anasegoro (a play in a contemporary theatre).

c)      Describe all the indigenous rites found in the play such as initiation into marriage, observance of funeral and so on.

d)      Write on the theme of marriage, and explain whether the chiefs deserved to be treated the way they were?

(DUE DATE : October 27, 2006).

3. Attend a performance in the Department and write a critique of 2-4 pages (typed) on any one of the following:

a)      Mohammed Ben Abdallah’s The Trial of Mallam Ilya and Other Plays [Woeli: 1987].

b)      Martin Owusu’s The Legend of Aku Sika and The Story Ananse Told [Legon: 1999].

c)       Asiedu Yirenkyi’s Kivuli [Heinemann: 1980].

d)      Bill Marshall’s The Son of Umbele [Accra, GPC: 1973].

e)      Yaw Asare’s Ananse in the Land of Idiots [StudyGhana Foundation: 2006].

4. Group Presentations (Not more than 5 pages each):

a)      GROUP A: Research into all military regimes from 1966 to the early 1980’s, noting in particular what each accomplished.

b)      GROUP B: The political impact of the military coups.

c)      GROUP C: The economic impact.

d)      GROUP D: The social impact.

e)      GROUP E: Their general effect on theatre practice in Ghana.

The groups can be sub-divided into units i/ and ii; such as A/i and A/ii and so on. However, each group will be represented by three students who will face the class with their verbal presentations.

All the members in each group who actively participated are to be listed in the written reports with their ID details and submitted to me.

The due dates for all assignments will be announced in class.