DRAMA AND THE REVOLUTIONARY ARCHETYPE: EBRAHIM HUSSEIN'S KINJEKETILE AND WA THIONG'O AND MUGO'S THE TRIAL OF DEDAN KIMATHI

In this essay, we explore the symbiotic relationship between literature and revolution, focusing on the dramatic gene. We have established that as two phenomena in a symbiotic relationship each one of them has the capacity to inspire, or arise from, the other. In terms of inspiring the other, drama seems to be the more suited genre because of its immediacy, ease of access and communal or collective engagement. Consequently, we have gone on to examine the attempts by two playwrights, to arouse the revolutionary consciousness in the people via their dramaturgy. The playwrights seem to assert that no oppressor willingly ceases to oppress the oppressed except the oppressed revolts and changes the status quo. In spite of the huge human and material cost of revolution, it is imperative because oppressors and exploiters will always make peaceful change unattainable. Both playwrights perform their responsibilities to society by awakening the consciousness of the people and alerting them to the requirements for a revolution which include: a sense of purpose, unity, determination, sacrifice and awareness.