African Theatre

African Theatre

The first example of African drama came from the religious "hunting ritual". It was a combination of dance and drama. One man would wear a mask and skins to imitate an animal, and a group of "hunters" would dance around "hunting". The "hunters would eventually kill the "beast". The use of dialogue began with the Limba people. Their chief priest would dress up and impersonate the moon god, while another priest would speak with him. These masks are from the Ivory Coast and Nigeria. [AL] {BR}