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Storytelling Theatre in Sierra Leone: the Example of Lele Gbomba

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 January 2009

Julius S. Spencer
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Abstract

Ever since Aristotle compared the advantages of the epic and dramatic modes, their varying qualities have been a topic of critical debate – though in western theatre the solo storyteller has long since ceased to serve as performer as well as author of his works. Not so in many African nations – including Sierra Leone, where the itinerant storytelling-Performer Lele Gbomba, who sadly died in September 1989, after this article was written, was in some ways typical of his fellow-Craftsmen, in others markedly his own man. Here, Julius Spencer, lecturer in drama at Fourah Bay College in Sierra Leone, describes and discusses Lele Gbomba's distinctive style. Julius Spencer gained his doctorate from the University of Ibadan, and has been active for many years as a playwright and director in Sierra Leone and Nigeria. He is presently researching the traditional theatre forms of Sierra Leone.

Type
Research Article
Information
New Theatre Quarterly , Volume 6 , Issue 24 , November 1990 , pp. 349 - 356
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1990

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References

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