The convert: a two-act play

This play tackles the theatrically attractive but ethically complex issue of Christian fundamentalism. Nyamnjoh, as a sociologist is well qualified to explore the social problems and psychological pressures which give rise to the born-again phenomenon, and the strong appeal of fundamentalist religio...

Full description

Saved in:  
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Nyamnjoh, Francis B. 1961- (Author)
Format: Print Book
Language:English
Subito Delivery Service: Order now.
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Fernleihe:Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste
Published: Bamenda Langaa RPCIG 2007
In:Year: 2007
Edition:2nd edition
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Africa / Christianity / Fundamentalism / Drama / Drama
Further subjects:B Drama
B Fundamentalism Africa, West Drama
Description
Summary:This play tackles the theatrically attractive but ethically complex issue of Christian fundamentalism. Nyamnjoh, as a sociologist is well qualified to explore the social problems and psychological pressures which give rise to the born-again phenomenon, and the strong appeal of fundamentalist religion. The Convert, however is no schematic sociological tract. It deals with the conflicting imperatives in 21st century West Africa, which push ordinary people into extraordinary situations, and provides no easy solutions to the issues raised. Although the play revolves around the Ultimate Church of Christ and the four main characters affected by it, the audience is given a deftly sketched picture of a corrupt world beyond it, lacking in spiritual or community values. [..]
The characterization is remarkable for its avoidance of any obvious protagonist; the audience is allowed no clear character with whom to identify. The four main characters have both virtues and flaws, each providing insights into ways the consumer-oriented materialism of modern life impacts upon African spirituality and community values. - David Kerr, Professor in Literature and Drama, University of Botswana "At the core of the implicit philosophy in Nyamnjoh's The Convert is the theatrical manifesto that contemporary society has not only to liberate itself, and its productive powers from 'Pentecostal', freak religions and distortion, it also has to liberate these same productive capacities from their present prostration. There is a deep, engaging humanism that pervades The Convert, but it is a humanism emblematic, to speak analogously, of the Aeschylean variety." - Bate Besong, Africa Review of Books
ISBN:9956558036