The Dance of The Leopard
Last performed: SynopsisTo some tribes in Africa, the leopard is a symbol of the king-strong, fierce and clever. Some great chiefs and warriors were known to have kept leopards as pets within their palaces. Others confronted leopards and lions and assumed their names to prove their valor and bravery. Set in traditional Africa, this play assumes its title from this tradition. The play itself sheds light on some traditions and institutions under which women are regarded as mere commodities who at times are to be inherited. Chief Kazi, the leopard, dances up to the traditional tune which suits him. He gets into the modern economic system while sticking to the tradition of "inheriting" a wife… all because he wants a "book" woman to boost his ego and help him with his business transactions in the city. He has a harem of wives which he hopes to keep increasing, but none of them is of help to him. His attention then shifts to Tara, the educated girl whom he claims to have inherited from his father. The elders wade in, to no avail. Tara and her boyfriend Gana are determined to stand in his way. Kazi's wives also resort to the juju man for help in preventing the "book" woman from joining and overtaking their harem. Nevertheless, Kazi insists on taking Tara by force! During the annual dance of the Leopard, the new "book" wife has to be unveiled. In a suspenseful, heart-pounding scene, the "bride" is unveiled. Could what follow be the result of the ingenuity of the younger, educated ones or could it be the handiwork of the gods…? Audience FeedbackLast night I attended your performance of The Dance of the Leopard. Wow! Not only the energy and beauty but the message that was so well articulated. It is important to keep our root culture, at the same time as working to change those parts of it that are not perfect. SO often immigrants to Canada (my father came from England in 1928 and my mother from the US a few years later) tend to celebrate their origins by selectively recalling only the good times. You are courageous in showing the huge strengths of the rich West African cultures while working for change in those parts that are oppressive. Such courage is deserving of the honour that the appreciative audience showed in their applause. I was fortunate to be born in Canada, but I am far more fortunate that your group is now here to enrich my life as a Canadian. Tonight I will attend your second performance with a friend from Mindanao in the Philippines who is part of a group doing similar work. Thank you all for a wonderful evening. Alan Haig-Brown, New Westminster, BC |
|
Home | Contact Us | Storytelling | Photos | Videos
© 2009 African Stages Association of British Columbia |