The Theatre of Africa (Sierra Leone) Sierra Leone became a British Colony in 1896; it was granted independence in 1961. There are 14 main groups in its population. The largest groupe is the Mende and second largest is the Temne. Creoles (descendants of returned enslaved Africans) are only 1% of the population but their language, Krio, is spoken by 60%. The official language is English. Sierra Leone is located between Guinea and Liberia. Image: http://ontheworldmap.com/sierra-leone/ 1

The Theatre of Africa (Sierra Leone: Mende Storytelling) The Mende have two major types of storytelling Ngawovei – historical storytelling Spoken documents which preserve the past May be narrated, chanted, or sung Are presented without dramatization The goal is historical fidelity Domei – fictional storytelling Usually creations of the storytellers Storytelling is most popular after the harvest season has ended. Most storytellers are amateurs. Storytelling is a way to preserve history as well as entertain. Image: http://www.peacecouncil.net/pnls/07/761/761africa.htm 2

The Theatre of Africa (Sierra Leone: Mende Storytelling) Performances take place in the evening, in a large open space (usually a circle). They may begin with a song, riddle, or joke that establishes the theme of the story. The storyteller fully involves the audience, who may become chorus members or musicians. Songs are very important; dance is less used; costumes are minimal. The entire performance has the air of spontaneous improvisation. Mende storytellers involve the entire audience in their performances. Image: http://likesuccess.com/author/ishmael-beah 3

The Theatre of Africa (Sierra Leone: Temne Ritual) The Temne believe that adulthood cannot be reached without going through the ritual and ceremony of initiation. Initiation performances include singing, dancing, instrumental music, costumes, and makeup. There are separate initiation ceremonies for boys and girls. The rituals can last up to a full year. These, along with other ceremonies, create a “language” frequently drawn on in contemporary theatre. A Temne tribe initiation mask. Image: http://kwekudee-tripdownmemorylane.blogspot.com/ 2013/07/temne-people-resilient-and-influential.html 4

The Theatre of Africa (Sierra Leone: Modern-Day Theatre) Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, is home to several theatre groups. Krio theatre is very popular. It is based in storytelling, mime, music, and dance It especially depends on a narrator & chorus Performances take place in any public spaces. Civil war has greatly reduced theatrical activity in Freetown overall. Raymond Sarif Easmon (playwright) Writes plays about the wealthy ruling class. Yulisa Amadu Maddy (playwright) One of Africa’s most radical dramatists, concerned with exposing the hypocrisy of those in power. Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone. Image: http://www.visitcapitalcity.com/africa/freetown-sierra-leone 5