PETER AIHEVHA

This project examines how Playwriting serves as a tool for cultural exploration in African drama, using Wole Soyinka's Death and the King's Horseman and Zulu Sofola's wedlock of the Gods as its study. The study examines how both playwrights use their plays through the theatre to preserve, express and question African values, beliefs and social system which mirrors the society. This study also draws its focus to some dominant cultural issues such as ritual, gender and power and how these issues reflect the struggles between tradition and change within the society. We explore culture through the lens of Wole Soyinka's Death and the King's Horseman which reflects tension between Yoruba ritual duty and colonial interference showing how misunderstanding of culture can lead to spiritual and communal disruption. While Zulu Sofola's on the other hand, explores the oppression of women in patriarchal society and exposes how cultural customs can be harmful when they deny individual freedom. This study however, seeks to promote culture through drama, preserve cultural identity and also promote cultural awareness. Keywords: Playwriting, Cultural Exploration, Wole Soyinka, Zulu Sofola