Contextualizing Feminism Within Igbo History And An Analysis Of The Works Of Ngozi Anyanwu
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Authors
Awachie, Chisom
Issue Date
2023-05-01
Type
thesis_open
Language
Keywords
Theatre , Analysis , Feminism , Igbo Women , Nigeria , Acting
African American Studies
African Languages and Societies
Dramatic Literature, Criticism and Theory
Other Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Theatre and Performance Studies
Alternative Title
Theatre Thesis - Written Thesis
Abstract
Throughout Nigeria’s history, Igbo women have contended with violence from colonial and imperialist forces and misogyny from the Igbo men in their communities. In solidarity with one another, Igbo women have continued to fight back to ensure their voices are heard in politics and access to professional careers. The Nigerian- and Igbo-American playwright Ngozi Anyanwu writes about Igbo women who assert themselves and maintain their agency throughout cultural and interpersonal conflicts, similar to these historical strategies. Anyanwu’s plays The Homecoming Queen, Good Grief, and My Name…is Beatrice feature women dealing with grief, sexual trauma, and access to reproductive healthcare between Nigerian and American societies. There is evidence that these examples of solidarity in struggle can be considered feminist in nature. Taking care not to force a definition onto an entire culture, I highlight aspects of feminism within Igbo culture and Anyanwu’s works to better understand feminism within an Igbo context.
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