Dramaturgy, Politics and Development: Emeka Nwabueze’s Parliament of Vultures

Abstract

Underdevelopment of most African countries in spite of their riches is informed by interest, recklessness, and greed played by dishonest and corrupt politicians; neither religion nor ethnic geographies, because other nations like the United States of America and Switzerland exist as entities irrespective of their differences. That is why, behind the facade of democracy there are vultures that confiscate and share the countries resources into their pockets as portrayed in Parliament of Vultures by Emeka Nwabueze. Most Nigerian politicians lack conscience. Consequently, the once giant of Africa-Nigeria becomes a laughing stock while her neglected youths take to kidnapping and killing. Dramatic art, as a close observer, x-rays the society to reveal to the masses the mysteries that surround them. They disclose to the ignorant masses the impending danger created by unscrupulous and perverted politicians and suggest ways of reformation. Essentially, this paper attempts the analysis of literary influence on politics through the visionary windows provided by Emeka Nwabueze. Politics is a social experience- and social experience is to a literary artist as air is to life. Events within the writer’s environment provide source materials for his imagination with which he creates enduring works of art. To this end, this paper tilts to sociological approach in the analyses of the play. It deduces and submits decisively that literature with its moral force holds much power to sway, persuade or induce, therefore cohere with politics for development of any society.