Adelana explained that the purpose behind 'Ìbálé: The Broken Pot', is to challenge the misconceptions and stereotypes about African women.
Esther Adelana, Nigerian author and writer of the play, 'Ìbálé: The Broken Pot', has lamented the underserved high level of misconceptions and stereotypes about African women.
Adelana explained that the purpose behind 'Ìbálé: The Broken Pot', is to challenge the misconceptions and stereotypes about African women.
Adelana, who is also a cultural administrator and leadership coach, shared these insights during the public presentation of the play in Abuja.
She emphasised that the play highlights gender-based cultural practices across Africa.
"I wrote Ìbálé to address gender and cultural issues affecting women in Nigeria, and in my research, I discovered this is a global concern," she said.
According to Adelana who is founder of Tea-Prime Leadership Academy, Ìbálé explores themes of promise and possibility, portraying the difficult journey of intersectional struggles against gender inequality, sexual violence, harmful cultural practices, and social divisions.
These struggles, she said, will continue until society achieves empowerment through a more inclusive and just social, cultural, and political order.
She questioned, "Why perpetuate rape and at the same time demand virginity from women?"
Adelana expressed her concerns that these sociocultural issues are prevalent in Africa and are often unconsciously reinforced by society.
"Ìbálé is a cultural text that reflects African culture while also raising critical questions about women's roles. At the same time, it offers solutions to these challenges," she added.
In his keynote speech, Professor Sunday Ododo praised Adelana for crafting a "masterpiece" that contributes to the gender equality discourse.
He noted that through Ìbálé, she has added her voice to the conversation on gender inequality and sexual violence.
Dr. Wale Okediran, Secretary General of the Pan-African Writers, also commended the play, highlighting that Adelana's use of Yoruba culture and language vividly engaged the audience, making it a valuable addition to African literature.
Professor Udenta O. Udenta, a scholar in cultural studies and creative writing, described Ìbálé as a meditation on the redemptive power of love in the face of relentless attacks by tradition and human nature.
He praised the play's rich dramaturgical elements, including intense dialogue, fast-paced action, songs, and dance, which contribute to the heroine's search for identity and atonement amidst her struggles.