Evolving representations of Sàngó: From script to screen in African drama

Abstract

This paper examines the representation of Sango myth in drama. In an attempt to retain Sango myth in Nigerian drama; there have been several creative efforts that have successfully adapted Sango myth from script to stage performance and finally to screen production. In this respect, the paper through New Historicist, Archetypal and postmodernist orientations, discusses the manifestation of Sango in the contemporary medium of video film; with example of Sango (1998) written by Wale Ogunyemi and produced by Femi Lasode. Following the trend of event from historical account of Samuel Johnson to Duro Ladipo’s Oba Koso (The King did not Hang) (1972) down to Wale Ogunyemi and Femi Lasode’s Sango (1998). Obviously, there are differences between the previous works which are scripts and stage performances, and media presentations. This is as a result of media opportunity, since film is always different from script and stage performance.