Ola Rotimi's Selected Plays and the Challenges of Post-Independence Nigeria

Abstract

This paper traces the emergence of Olawale Gladstone Rotimi popularly known as Ola Rotimi, one of the notable Nigerian theatre and drama scholars and practitioners who for many years contributed to the evolution of theatre and drama through his literary works which cover many thematic frames. Ola Rotimi belongs to a group known as "The Nigerian English literary dramatists." The paper argues that the emergence of this group to some extent coincided with the country's independence in 1960. The period was a significant one, due to the unfolding political, economic and cultural transition. The period also marked the beginning of the decisive contributions of dramatic scholars and practitioners in the positive growth of Nigeria as a nation. One primary concern of this group of well-trained practitioners and scholars is how to identify means of tackling the various post-independence challenges facing the country.