International Journal of Arts and Humanities

Shadows of Power: The Interplay of Oppression and Resistance in Wole Soyinka’s A Dance of the Forests’

Abstract

This paper examines the complex interplay of oppression and resistance in Wole Soyinka's play A Dance of the Forests, using the metaphorical framework of the forest as a space of transformation and truth. Through a close reading of character dynamics, the study highlights how figures such as the Bride and the masquerades represent varied responses to societal constraints, illustrating the nuanced relationships between individual agency and collective identity. The paper also explores the role of ancestral voices within the narrative, asserting their significance as a conduit for collective memory that informs contemporary struggles against repressive political structures. By investigating the thematic resonance of politics, identity, and the quest for freedom, this study reveals how Soyinka critiques the post-colonial Nigerian state while advocating for personal and communal liberation. Ultimately, this analysis underscores the timeless relevance of A Dance of the Forests as both a poignant political commentary and a transformative artistic expression of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Keywords: Shadows of Power, TOppression, Resistance, Wole Soyinka, A Dance of the Forests