In this Masterclass Professor Osofisan, one of the most highly acclaimed dramatists of his generation, takes us through his playwriting process and gives us his thoughts on the importance of language. He advises would be playwrights on the need for sensitivity. ‘Be sensitive to what is happening around you,’ he says, ‘and write in a way that is local to yourself. Write about the specifics of your world, do not write in the abstract. The more local you are in your writing the more international it will actually be.’
Professor Osofisan describes his own process of playwriting as experimental, preferring a collaborative approach with actors to test out what actually works on stage. He is very keen on having an impact on audiences, to spur debate and engagement with topical political and social issues.
After watching the video, consider the following questions:
- 1. According to Professor Osofisan, why do we need another Ogunde?
- 2. How does Professor Osofisan explain the tendency for African playwrights to adapt European plays?
- 3. What are the three unities and why does Professor Osofisan regard them as the basics of playwriting?