Ageism and Ableism in Wole Soyinka’s ‘The Lion and The Jewel’ and ‘The Strong Breed’

Abstract

Ageism and ableism are socio-cultural concepts that have, in recent times, constituted topical issues that are being debated by literary critics and theatre practitioners who are of the opinion that literature should be capable of reflecting on the variegated issues that concern us as individuals living in a society. This is what is generally referred to as the human condition. These critics see literature as being all-encompassing, that is, as being capable of meditating on any subject that centers on the human person. Utilizing Augusto Boal's "Theatre of the Oppressed" as our theoretical foundation, this study aims to examine ageism and ableism, both within historical contexts and literature, in a comprehensive manner. Subsequently, we will focus on their specific manifestations within Wole Soyinka's works, namely, "The Lion and The Jewel" and "The Strong Breed." This study posits that our society must recognize the significance of elderly and disabled individuals. Their disabilities, notwithstanding, still have important roles to play in the theatre of life.