Ovonramwen Nogbaisi: A Historical play

by Ola Rotimi

Oba Ovonramwen’s efforts to control a growing rebellion within his kingdom and reasserting the authority of Benin over surrounding lands are further complicated by British interference in search of trade and dominion. Ola Rotimi’s historical drama portrays with power and sensitivity the confrontation between the Benin Empire and Great Britain. The trial of the Benin warlords, and the ultimate exile of the god-king himself, Ovonramwen Nognaisi.

Genres: African Literature, Plays

82 pages, Paperback

Published November 28, 2017

About the author

Olawale Gladstone Emmanuel Rotimi, best known as Ola Rotimi (13 April 1938 – 18 August 2000), was one of Nigeria's leading playwrights and theatre directors. He has been called "a complete man of the theatre – an actor, director, choreographer and designer – who created performance spaces, influenced by traditional architectural forms."

Reviews

[Paul Lothane]

For sheer grandeur, pageantry and the like, this play is really engrossing. Here we relive the erstwhile glory of a powerful monarch/monarchy - another historical drama by the awe-inspiring Ola Rotimi. The whole ambience here reeks with grandeur and dignity. A superb work. We tend to forget that in the "good old old days" - a time when the wonders of modern science were almost non existent- the world still ambled on, even in Africa here, with strict hierarchy, social classes, mores, pomp et al in most societies no matter how rudimentary. Imagine the rustic world of Thomas Hardy's novels in the Europe of yore - was it not very interesting in its own way? In this particular play, the stirring music and drums, the theatrical truculence and menace, the rich, profound conversations - all recreate a glorious, dusky kingdom.

['Bukunmi Bifarin]

A beautifully written short drama that ushers you into the very elegant culture of the ancient Benin Kingdom. Ola Rotimi skillfully employs this literary genre to tell the story of a real life king and his struggles (though failed) to maintain order within his kingdom. This book is one important literature for those who want to get a picture of the colonization of Africa by the west (the various strategies used in their avid drive for economic domination).
I really enjoyed the rich proverbs, cultural sayings and folk songs used in the drama, and I would love to see this acted on stage.

[Daniel Osaretin]

An interesting play indeed

[Douglas Okuweh]

This is an historical story that will live and linger on in the memories of the young posterity

[Raphael Mokoena]

Oh, the language in this work is so dignified; remember all this was long ago when royalty was elevated a lot in Africa. Here the king says: "Let the land know this: Ovonramwen Nogbaisi is henceforth set to rule as king after the manner of his fathers before him...no matter how long and stout the human neck, on top of it must sit a head. Henceforth, a full moon's my glow - dominant, and un-open to rivalry throughout the empire,"

[Francis Chukwu]

Excellent historical play. Gives one a feel of having been there in the thick of it all. Highly recommend without reservations to everyone interested in Nigerian pre colonial history .

Gives one a feel of having been there in the thick of it all. Highly recommend without reservations to everyone interested in Nigerian pre colonial history.

[Jeffrey Eboh]

The book is one of the seven books I have listed for a 7-day book challenge and it is due to be posted on 2nd day of July, 2020 on by Jeffrey InnoSt Eboh Facebook page. It is so rich in the Edo culture and full of nice proverbs. One of my best Nigerian plays.

[Nmayen]

History of English

[Russell]

It's good