Busola Elegbede

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Saturday, May 19, 2012

'The Gods are Still Not to Blame' A Review By Busola Elegbede

Few Plays stay deeply embedded in your mind and when they accomplish this feat one has to give credence to whom credence is due.

I am talking about THE GODS ARE NOT TO BLAME by OLA ROTIMI

An adaptation of OEDIPUS REX by SOPHOCLES 

OTUN RASHEED'S adaptation of THE GODS ARE NOT TO BLAME by OLA ROTIMI titled

THE GODS ARE STILL NOT TO BLAME has caused ripples that have traveled cross boarders and landed in Baltimore USA.

http://daniprose.com/tag/baltimore/

THE GODS ARE STILL NOT TO BLAME is a Nigerian play in contemporary times that captures the challenges of a world where there is a strong need to conform.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdgIeVP2A84

Here the fear of a taboo prompts a cover-up that inevitably spirals every situation into a chaotic end. Putting forward the argument that tampering with destiny is to blame.

The story points clearly to  the choices made by each character after the 'predictions' were made

The predictions are perceived to be the gravest of taboos in the land and more powerful is the belief that 'DESTINY' prevails.

The opening sequence celebrates life as the ruling King is blessed with his dream child; he celebrates the
innocent and pure child's naming ceremony. Unfortunately for the king, the day is tainted by tensions and the tussle for power in the guise of choice which the King openly shows he is the ultimate power by stamping his foot down and winning diplomatically his mothers acceptance

The 'predictions' ascertain the truth but also is worrisome and shoves the story into gear. It is also a unifying factor of great symbolic significance. Even though both religions are different; they speak out in the same voice, the same message

Should he accept the predictions with arms folded or should he tamper with DESTINY and take matters into his own hands?

The kings decision spirals the play to a point where we question or agree with the phrase THE GODS ARE STILL NOT TO BLAME.

An innocent child grows up on lies and their paths cross

The conflict intensifies mid act as the clash of 6the Titans, father and son tainted with arrogance and pride fail to dialogue and we see doom unfold before our very eyes

The Queen is a simmered down character that bears the brunt of the entire saga; she  exudes emotions and loss and either way the predictions go she loses out

The writers' philosophical approach to the adaptation of the age old tale is short and to the point. It is an open ended view that could sway towards either side of the pendulum depending on whose eyes are watching

It places a great task to director and I am looking forward to the staging of this play.

I expect a realistic and believable performance and come JUNE 2012I will be there to experience the full weight of OTUN RASHEED'S play THE GODS ARE STILL NOT TO BLAME. 

***Busola Elegbede***

**COPYRIGHT 2012**


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