THE MARRIAGE OF ANANSEWA. By Efua T. Sutherland

Efua T Sutherland - a revered figure in Ghanaian and African literature; one of the early pioneers; a great dramatist and visionary. She did so much for Ghanaian theatre and inspired so many others along the line. She wrote a number of books in her lifetime, mainly drama and works for children. This book, Marriage of Anansewa used to be a prescribed work in west African schools, and rightly so. It is a drama of great richness rather weaved around the legend and symbolism of "ananse" in the Akan prism. On a simplistic level, this play concerns the suitors of a fetching young lady; who deserves her most? How does her apparent premature, heart-rending death resonate all around? But it is much more than this. Sutherland adroitly introduces us to the richness of the pertinent culture with the complement of wise saws, proverbs, songs and witticisms. In the end the reader's appetite is not only whetted but exhilaratingly satisfied. This play, published long ago, showcases Ma Sutherland at her best.
- Eric Malome