I'm currently in a class called Contemporary Drama. It's fantastic (one of my favorite college classes of all time) and I love how many plays we've gotten to cover. I'm also more versed with older drama, so experiencing modern drama has been super refreshing and exciting! Also, this class has a focus on post colonial drama, so a lot of these plays are united by the central idea of decolonization or the negative effects of colonization and imperialism. I do not give any major spoilers in this article, and I always preface any minor ones with a warning.

Translations by Brian Friel

Rating: 9/10

Brian Friel's Translations is a classic for a reason. It has a great storyline and I haven't really experienced a play that deals with language and its power before. I thought it was really interesting how, although all of the actors are speaking in English, it is to be inferred that the Irish characters are actually speaking Irish. My favorite scene is the Yolland/Maira scene, not going to include any spoilers but I love how we know what both are saying when they are unable to understand one another. I think it is so unique, creative, and tells the story really well. The play is also very impactful, and brings to light the way in which the British anglicized Ireland through the census, renaming Irish landmarks and towns with British words. The only reason it isn't a 10/10 is because, while there is building tension, it is not the most exciting play I've read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it though and enjoyed watching the National Theatre's production on Drama Online.

The Island by Athol Fugard

Rating: 7/10

This play was very interesting and I really enjoyed both the concept and the way in which is was devised. Essentially, Fugard worked with two actors (John Kani and Winston Ntshona) and they improved many of the scenes, figuring out many elements of the play on their feet. Anyway, I really like the use of Antigone as a comparison to John and Winston's own situation (both the actors and the characters' names) because they are political prisoners. Antigone is imprisoned and dies because she commits treason to bury her brother. This can be compared to activism because both are honorable or good deeds that are unjustly punished. Anyway, the concept is that these two prisoners are preparing Antigone to perform for the other prisoners, which I like a lot. However, the only reason I wouldn't give it a higher rating is because of the play's writing on women. There's one scene (minor spoiler) where Winston sort of flips out on John (that's the spoiler). Anyway, I feel like he speaks about women in an objectifying way and, from my perspective, was pretty disrespectful when talking about John's wife and other women in general (if you read, you'll see). Although the rest of the play is really strong, that just leaves a bad taste in my mouth and made me pretty uncomfortable.

The Convert by Danai Gurira

Rating: 10/10

I thought this play was fantastic and it's, in my opinion, the best one I've studied in this class. Firstly, I didn't realize that Danai Gurira was just as talented a playwright as she is an actress. Secondly, I thought the play itself was so powerful and exciting. I really enjoyed how Gurira highlighted the clash between Christianity and Jekesai's culture and the concept that both can be blended. Also, I thought this concept was very thought provoking. (Minor spoilers ahead from the beginning of the play) Essentially, Jekesai is forced to pick between entering into an arranged marriage with an older man (NOT what she wants) or going to work for Chilford and having to convert to Christianity. I thought this highlighted that, while Christianity is the religion of the colonizers and is often used as a weapon, it also protected Jekesai from entering into a forced marriage. Gurira also complicates things because Jekesai is forced to give up her culture, which is also not a favorable choice and which follows her throughout the play. Overall, I just thought this was fantastic and it really made me think. I also think that it is interesting how Jekesai's name changes throughout the play in the script and how, although the audience will not see this, readers and actors can use this as a guide as to her personal identity and journey. I thought this play was a 10/10 and I would love to see it performed! I absolutely recommend reading or watching it if you have the chance!

The Sugar Wife by Elizabeth Kuti

Rating: 8/10

I thought this play was great! I especially enjoyed how no character in the play was "perfect." Although Samuel and Hannah are religious, charitable, and have a morally "good" facade, both they and the other characters mostly commit fairly serious sins (or are at least not very nice people). For a play which focuses on the devout, it might be a little predictable that the devout do not always follow the virtues that they preach. However, I think Kuti makes her play so interesting and refreshing. I also really enjoyed how Sarah's speeches were interspersed throughout the play and they added a lot of depth to the play. While the characters are all struggling with their own problems, Sarah's speeches remind audience members that she is recovering from a much more horrible tragedy, slavery. I thought this play was really interesting to read and I would love to see it performed someday!

The Beauty Queen of Leenane by Martin McDonagh

Rating: 6/10

This is considered to be one of McDonagh's best plays by many, however, it's not my favorite. It's a very well written, tragic story, but the violence was not my thing. I recently saw McDonagh's Hangmen at the Gamm, which I LOVED, however, I think physical and verbal abuse that occurs between Mag and Maureen was not easy to read. Although the play is good and I was on the edge of my seat while reading it, I'd give it a 6/10 because it just wasn't my favorite in comparison to the other plays I've read this semester and the other McDonagh play I saw live.

By the Bog of Cats by Marina Carr

Rating: 9/10

I really liked this play upon studying it more. Firstly, I love the parallels between this story and a classic Greek story (I won't say which one). While there are differences between the two stories, I think the comparison is really interesting and sheds a new light on both plays, even the classic. I thought it was a little strange at first, but as I became more accustomed to the world I grew to really enjoy it. I would absolutely recommend it, and I think it is a good read too if you're unable to watch it.

Anowa by Ama Ata Aidoo

Rating: 8/10

I really enjoyed reading this play. I liked Anowa's character and how she stayed true to herself throughout the entire story. However, I also think it is important to note that Anowa is not perfect. She is a very complex protagonist and I really enjoy following her journey. The only reason that this doesn't have a higher rating is probably a lack of change. While I thought the story was great, there wasn't any action/comedy/etc. that I found to be really exciting. I thought this play was fantastic though and I recommend it!

Dream on Monkey Mountain by Derek Walcott

Rating: 5/10

Personally, this play was not for me. It's an absurdist piece, which probably contributes to that. I had a difficult time understanding it, which obviously makes sense because it's absurdist. I think there's a lot that can be taken away from this piece and that it is objectively very good and impactful, however, I think that seeing it performed on stage would probably help me a lot with this. It reminds me that plays are written to be performed and not just read. I still think there is a reason why it was a part of my curriculum and, if you like absurdism or have the opportunity to see it, I would still recommend it.

Death and the King's Horseman by Wole Soyinka

Rating: 6/10

This play was also not for me. Although the plot was more discernable than that of Dream on Monkey Mountain, the objectification of some women in this play (specifically the bride) changes my perspective on the story. However, I still think this play is worth reading and I'm glad I read it. I think it highlights cultural differences and how it is not good to interfere with another's practices. This also allowed me to take a step back and think about how, although there are some elements of this play (specifically forced/arranged marriage) which I personally don't agree with, it is an element of Elesin's culture and that it is not my place to judge.

Pantomime by Derek Walcott

Rating: 8/10

I thought this play was really strong and I liked the ever changing dynamic between the two characters. I'm also a sucker for allusion, and loved the constant talk about Robinson Crusoe. I think allusions always provide new insights in a play, and this is the case with Pantomime. I thought the play flowed well and I also thought it was a good read! It wasn't my favorite of the bunch, but I enjoyed reading it still and would like to see it on stage!