Intercultural Mediation and Sundry Obstacles in African Theatre: Sunnie Ododo’s 𝐻𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝐶ℎ𝑜𝑖𝑐𝑒 as a Paradigm
Intercultural Mediation and Sundry Obstacles in African Theatre: Sunnie Ododo’s 𝐻𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝐶ℎ𝑜𝑖𝑐𝑒 as a Paradigm

Summary/Abstract: This paper contributes to the debate on the significant roles that intercultural mediation can play in mitigating the incessant conflicts often ignited by cultural differences. From the perspective of theatrical narratives, the present article examines the problematic aspects of intercultural mediation in African theatre, using Sunnie Ododo’s 𝐻𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝐶ℎ𝑜𝑖𝑐𝑒 as a paradigm. The paper adopts descriptive and content analysis methodologies to analyse a selection of published books, journal articles, and internet materials. This critical endeavour aims to prove that while intercultural conflicts occur in many regions of the world, they are particularly intensive in countries that have experienced colonial subjugation. Several factors have been found to account for conflicts in multicultural societies, particularly in Africa. These include the inability to manage cultural differences, undercover activities of individuals and groups, particularly the political elite, to satisfy selfish interests, and the egocentric inclination of some cultures to attempt to subsume others. The article concludes that although African theatre has achieved great success in the advancement of diverse ethnic cultures, not much has been done in the area of intercultural mediation and the peaceful negotiation of cultural conflicts. It is suggested that African playwrights need to do more by creating works that advocate peaceful cohabitation of cultures, emphasize circumspection of African leaders in handling sensitive socio-political and cultural issues, and stress the need for selfless national and regional leaders.

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