ABSTRACT
Women have been represented in diverse ways in the dramatic genre of Nigerian literature. The portrayal of women in politics, which mostly casts them in supporting roles, has generated dissension among African Womanist critics. The critiques note the minute roles designated to women as far as political contributions to their society are concerned and their impact on the female image. The contention of this chapter is that there is a popular misconception about the image of women in Nigerian plays as seen in plays such as Wole Soyinka's Lion and the Jewel and Death and the King's Horseman, where women are portrayed as fickle-minded. Irene Salami's Sweet Revenge and More than Dancing are examined as examples of how a Nigerian playwright can create a vibrant image of women as they wrestle political space with their male counterparts. Salami's craft, by creating strong, assertive, heroic, female role-models at the intersection of popular mythic depictions of superwomen and literary creativity, enables a rethink of the place of modern woman in society, culture and politics. Thus, this article evaluates the changing roles of women in the traditional society to the modern period in the light of African Womanism.
