Thirteenth International Conference on The Arts in Society

Abstract

Using the Experiential Testimonial Creativity (E.T.C) Theory, this paper examines the role and actions of female characters and their quest to wield power, searching for gender equality in In The Chest of a Women written by a Ghanaian playwright, Efo Kodjo Mawugbe. The paper concentrates on female characters in the play with more emphasis on the roles and nature of Nana Yaa Kyiretwie, “Owusu Agyemang”, and Amma Ekyiaa in the hands of a male playwright. This paper also brings to the fore, some of the evil machinations exhibited by these women, and the various punishments they encounter in the play. Rhetorically, one wonders the extent to which some male playwrights may portray women as insensitive, who employ various schemes and strange methods to pursue their objectives, and agenda in life. The study is basically qualitative, employing content/textual analysis of In The Chest of A Woman, and a personal observation made during the three night performance of the play from 4th to 6th December, 2016 by Abibigromma Theatre Company of the School of Performing arts, University of Ghana, Legon. The final product reveals deceit, slander, covetousness, envy, and greed on the part of Mawugbe’s female characters in the play. These negative portrayals of womanhood seem to raise the question, whether the play attempts to promote positive women’s emancipation and gender equality in African societies or otherwise?