PLAYWRIGHT RESEARCH PROJECT
Zeno Obi Constance
Group 4 - Amaya Thomas
Anique Sargeant
Carissa Singh
Dernesha Surat
Elizabeth Thomas
Kacey Trim
Zylika Torres
Zeno Obi Constance
Zeno Obi Constance is from Saint Lucia, a Caribbean island known for
its rich cultural heritage and was born in the year 1968. Zeno obi
Constance is from Saint Lucia, a Caribbean island known for its rich
cultural heritage. He is a multi-talented artist with a focus on
playwriting, poetry and performance. Constance has written and
performed several plays that explore themes of identity, history, social
issues, and cultural transformations within the Caribbean and African
contexts. Some of his notable works include; “The Consultant”,
“Soucouyant '', “Trapped in the Closet " and "Mother ". The consultant
being a thriller, Soucouyant being a folk tale, Trapped in the Closet
being a Dark Comedy and Mother being a tragedy. His plays often
delve into complex narratives that blend mythology, folklore,
contemporary life and personal experiences. Constance is known for his
use of vivid imagery, poetic language and theatrical experimentations,
creating immerse and thought-provoking theatrical experiences.
Constance’s contributions to Caribbean and African theatre have been
significant norms, promoting: culture, dialogue and amplifying diverse
voices within the theatrical landscapes. His work resonates with
audiences both regionally and internationally. While specific research
studies on Zeno Obi Constance may be limited, his work is celebrated
within the Caribbean and African literary and theatrical communities.
He has gained recognition and awards for his innovative approach to
theatre and his exploration of pressing social and cultural issues. There
were also a lot of interviews stating that Constance is a self-proclaimed
calypso collector and has been studying Valentino’s work.
The most popular play by Constance is the play “The Ritual”
"The Ritual" by Zeno Obi Constance is a gripping exploration of
tradition, sacrifice, and the clash between modernity and ancient
customs.
What is it about? The play revolves around a small village in the
Seychelles where an age-old ritual, deeply rooted in the community's
history and beliefs, is performed annually. As the village faces pressures
from modernization and external influences, tensions rise between
those who seek to uphold tradition and those who question its
relevance in the modern world. Against this backdrop, the play delves
into themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the consequences of
societal change.
Who are the characters? The characters in "The Ritual" include:
Elders and traditional leaders who are staunch advocates for
preserving the ritual and its significance. Younger villagers who
question the relevance of the ritual and challenge the authority of the
elders. Outsiders or representatives of modernity who bring alternative
perspectives and attitudes toward the ritual and its place in
contemporary society.
What is the plot? The plot follows the village as it prepares for the
annual ritual, with tensions simmering beneath the surface as debates
about tradition versus progress intensify. As the day of the ritual
approaches, conflicts escalate, leading to confrontations and
soul-searching among the villagers. Ultimately, the play builds towards
a climactic moment where the fate of the ritual and the community's
future hang in the balance. Through its nuanced exploration of
tradition, change, and the complexities of cultural identity, "The Ritual"
offers a thought-provoking commentary on the challenges of
preserving heritage in a rapidly evolving world.
