The Marriage of Anansewa

The Marriage of Anansewa

Background

• A play written by Ghanaian playwright Efua Sutherland in 1975
• Based on a traditional Akan folktale from Ghana

Plot

• The story revolves around Anansewa, the spider trickster, who decides to marry
• Anansewa's intention is to acquire wealth and status through his marriage
• He chooses a chief's daughter, Efua, as his bride
• Anansewa's cleverness and cunning are used to outwit his in-laws and gain control over Efua's family's wealth

Themes

• The struggle for power and status in traditional Ghanaian society
• The use of cunning and trickery to achieve one's goals
• The tension between traditional values and modernity

Character Analysis

• Anansewa: the spider trickster, cunning and clever, but also manipulative and selfish
• Efua: the chief's daughter, naive and obedient, but ultimately trapped in a marriage she does not want

Symbolism

• Anansewa's spider webs symbolize his cleverness and ability to trap others
• The marriage ceremony represents the union of traditional and modern values

Cultural Significance

• The play explores the cultural heritage of Ghana and the importance of traditional values
• It highlights the tensions between modernity and tradition in Ghanaian society

Impact

• The play has been widely performed and studied in Ghana and beyond
• It has contributed to the development of Ghanaian literature and theatre
• It has also helped to promote cultural awareness and understanding of Ghanaian traditions

The Marriage of Anansewa

Background

• Written by Efua Sutherland in 1975
• Based on a traditional Akan folktale from Ghana

Plot

• Revolves around Anansewa, the spider trickster, who marries to acquire wealth and status
• Anansewa chooses Efua, a chief's daughter, as his bride
• He uses cunning and cleverness to outwit his in-laws and gain control over Efua's family's wealth

Themes

• Struggle for power and status in traditional Ghanaian society
• Use of cunning and trickery to achieve goals
• Tension between traditional values and modernity

Character Analysis

• Anansewa: cunning, clever, manipulative, and selfish
• Efua: naive, obedient, and trapped in an unwanted marriage

Symbolism

• Anansewa's spider webs: symbolize his cleverness and ability to trap others
• Marriage ceremony: represents the union of traditional and modern values

Cultural Significance

• Explores Ghana's cultural heritage and importance of traditional values
• Highlights tensions between modernity and tradition in Ghanaian society

Impact

• Widely performed and studied in Ghana and beyond
• Contributed to development of Ghanaian literature and theatre
• Promotes cultural awareness and understanding of Ghanaian traditions