About the Play

Written by Nigerian playwright, Wale Ogunyemi, The play is a theatrical adaptation of a medieval morality play exploring human virtues, vices, morality, and divine judgment through allegorical characters and divine figures.

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Introduction and Setting

• The play features a stage with symbolic elements representing heaven, space, and divine judgment.

• Olodumare, the Supreme Being, presides over judgment, with a stage setup including screens and symbolic props.

• Characters are allegorical figures representing virtues, vices, and human traits, such as Eniyan (Everyman), Wealth, Goods, Knowledge, and Death.

 

Characters and Their Representations

• Eniyan (Everyman) symbolizes mankind, boasting of wealth, happiness, and self-sufficiency.

• Virtues like Laakaye (Knowledge), Ijewo (Confession), and Iwa (Character) are depicted as loyal companions.

• Vices and worldly possessions such as Dukia (Money), Owo (Wealth), and Agbara (Strength) are personified.

• Other characters include Praise Singer, Witch Doctor, Beggar, and Death (Iku).

 

Themes and Moral Lessons

• The play emphasizes the transient nature of worldly riches and pleasures.

• It highlights the importance of morality, charity, humility, and divine accountability.

• Characters reflect on the futility of material wealth and the significance of spiritual virtues.

• The divine judgment scene underscores that humans will be called to account for their deeds.

 

Divine Judgment and Morality Play

• Olodumare’s judgment reveals human sins, greed, and ingratitude.

• Iku (Death) acts as a messenger, demanding accountability and leading characters to their fate.

• The play depicts the journey of Eniyan’s soul to divine judgment, emphasizing repentance and morality.

• The play concludes with the inevitability of death and divine judgment, urging moral living.

 

Cultural and Religious Elements

• The play incorporates Yoruba cultural elements, such as divination, cultic dances, and proverbs.

• It reflects traditional beliefs about morality, divine justice, and the spiritual world.

• The play serves as a moral lesson rooted in Yoruba cosmology and religious thought.