Past Event! Note: this event has already taken place.
Why Should I live by your labels and limitations?
March 9, 2022 at 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
| Location: | Online Zoom |
| Cost: | Free |
Coming up next in our Brownbag seminar series is a discussion on the topic: “Why Should I Live by Your Labels and Limitations? Reflections on The Dungeon” Leading the discussion is Mnena Abuku an Open AIR Researcher and Queen Elizabeth Scholar.
Abstract
“The Dungeon”, the latest of my creative works is adapted from Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House.” This work explores the indigenous cultural background of Nigeria in West Africa. It relates the deep decay in society where politicians use money and power to exploit the poor. It questions corrupt leaders, who have no political ideology, blueprint or plan but forcefully stay in power to rule over the people. The work also reflects the level of poverty in Nigeria. The down trodden masses continue to suffer. The poor down trodden, who have no voice, comprise of women, the rural community and children. Nora is the representation of the down trodden. This work does not only explore the issues of power play in Nigeria, but also focuses on the deep feminist and gender discourse about the institution of marriage in Africa where many are trapped in a prison of despair and sadness within this institution. Focus is on themes of drama and human rights, discrimination, exclusion as violence and abuse. Nora questions debase traditions which put labels and limitations on women through societal expectations. The Dungeon creates a theatre in search for social change in the forum of rethinking attitudes, practices and cultural ideology embedded within the script and what is prevalent in contemporary African society. Ibsen is more read or studied as a Western script, but re-interpreting it into an African setting, gives it a better understanding and inclusion in society.
About
Mnena Abuku is an associate professor of Drama and Theatre. She is a consultant in Development Communication and director of LuCreative. She is a social justice writer. She has facilitated several development projects working for the advancement, improvement and welfare of women and girls in disadvantaged areas and rural communities. She was previously a Queen Elizabeth Scholar – Advanced Scholars Fellow with the Open African Innovation Research (Open AIR)..Read more…
Please join us Wednesday March 9th, 2022 from 1pm – 2:30pm EST to participate in this engaging discussion.
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