"The Marriage of Anansewa" by Efua Sutherland

• “The Marriage of Anansewa” is a play by Ghanaian playwright Efua Sutherland
• It combines traditional storytelling with modern theatrical techniques
• Ghanaian culture is incorporated through Ananse spider tales, music, and dance

Characters

• Ananse is the protagonist, a trickster from Akan folklore; he is a clever, scheming man seeking a husband for his daughter
• Anansewa is Ananse's beautiful, intelligent daughter whose marriage is the key plot point
• Madam Mansa is a wealthy, influential woman and potential mother-in-law, representing Ananse's aspirations
• Chief Onafu Amponsah is a wealthy, powerful chief and potential groom, embodying traditional authority/status
• Gbeho is Ananse’s friend and helps with his schemes
• The Messenger delivers key news and announcements
• The Chorus acts as narrators/commentators, providing context and insights

Plot Summary

• Ananse is in debt and wants to secure his family's future
• He plans to marry off Anansewa to a wealthy, powerful man
• Ananse sends letters to potential suitors, exaggerating Anansewa's beauty and virtues
• Responses come from Chief Onafu Amponsah, wealthy politician Mr. Kwakye, and army officer Colonel Poku
• Ananse pretends Anansewa is engaged to incite competition among the suitors
• As suitors arrive, Ananse lies and manipulates events to his advantage
• Ananse fakes a car accident where Anansewa is supposedly injured to get money from the suitors
• Anansewa chooses Kwame, a modest, educated young man, whom she loves
• Ananse initially disapproves but accepts Kwame's good character and approves the marriage

Themes

• Greed and Materialism: The play critiques obsession with wealth/status, as Ananse's motivation is financial gain
• Tradition vs. Modernity: The play explores tensions between traditional customs and modern values in marriage and social mobility
• Gender and Agency: Anansewa defies traditional expectations, choosing her partner and highlighting female agency
• The Power of Storytelling: The play celebrates storytelling, its ability to entertain, educate, and critique social norms
• Corruption and Deceit: The play exposes corrupt practices and deceptive schemes by those seeking power/wealth
• Love and Marriage: The play contrasts arranged marriages based on material considerations with those of love and respect

Literary Devices

• Ananse Tales: The play uses Akan Ananse tales, with Ananse symbolizing wit, cunning, and moral ambiguity
• Music and Dance: Traditional Ghanaian music and dance enhance cultural authenticity and emotional impact
• Humor and Satire: The play uses humor/satire to critique social norms and expose characters' follies
• Chorus: A chorus provides commentary, foreshadowing, and context to guide understanding of the play's themes
• Dramatic Irony: The audience knows Ananse's schemes, creating dramatic irony and heightening comedy
• Storytelling Techniques: Sutherland uses flashbacks, character asides, and direct address to engage the audience

Cultural Significance

• The play is significant in African literature, especially Ghanaian drama
• It reflects post-colonial Ghana's socio-political realities, including corruption, inequality, and cultural identity
• "The Marriage of Anansewa" uses innovative storytelling and explores contemporary themes
• The play is performed and studied widely, in Ghana/internationally, contributing to the recognition of African drama
• It encourages reflection on societal values and priorities, prompting discussions about greed, corruption, love, and agency in marriage

"The Marriage of Anansewa" is a play by Efua Sutherland, blending Ghanaian storytelling with modern theater. It features Ananse, a trickster, scheming to marry off his daughter, Anansewa, amidst characters like Madam Mansa and Chief Onafu Amponsah. The play incorporates Ghanaian culture through Ananse spider tales, music, and dance.