FAILED LEADERSHIP OBLIGATIONS AS PRAXIS: DRAMATURGICAL PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

This paper analytically looks at Esiaba Irobi and Emeka Nwabueze's attempts at dramatic portrayal of failed leadership obligations in Africa and precisely, Nigeria. Drama as a performance art is a recurrent phenomenon. This paper examines the leadership perspectives of characters presented by the playwrights in their failure to accomplish their required obligations to the proletariat. Thematically, the paper desires to prove that Esiaba uses his Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh to criticize the criticizers as they engage in class struggle. He proves that even the African literary leaders lack sense of fairness, honesty, and justice. The paper discerns from the characters that there is no difference between literary leaders and politicians who steal ballot papers and rig the elections in their bid to remain on top. The study also discovers as illuminated by Nwabueze's A Parliament of Vultures that the law makers as they exploit the masses are metaphorical large birds of prey that feed on the putrid remains of humanity they vowed to protect. The two plays look at the philosophy and quality of interaction in academic and political spheres as man struggle in the world of power control. In the spheres of life projected by the authors, there are class struggle, exploitation, and failed obligation. Therefore, this study adopts Marxist approach. The paper encourages resistance by the exploited against the exploiters.