248:: Using satire, the novel critiques the political landscape of Nigeria under General Abacha's rule, as well as broader themes of corruption and nepotism in governance. It employs humor and exaggeration to highlight societal issues and political absurdities.
260:: Amidst the satire, the novel also touches on themes of resistance and rebellion against oppressive regimes. It portrays characters who challenge the status quo and fight for freedom and justice, despite the absurdity of their circumstances.
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157:. The play starts with General Basha Bash, who, following a military coup, sheds his military garb for regal robes and crowns himself King Baabu. With his newfound power, Baabu plunges the nation into a surreal world of tyranny.
254:: The use of a childish language for the characters underscores themes of manipulation and propaganda. It reflects how language can be distorted and controlled by those in power to maintain their authority and suppress dissent.
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runs out of control, the people, once oppressed by
General Basha Bash, now find themselves subjected to the whims of a ruler even more absurd and outrageous. Yet, despite the absurdity, they had no choice than to compile
242:: The novel explores the consequences of unchecked power and the abuse of authority by depicting General Basha Bash's transformation into King Baabu. It delves into the absurdity and oppression of dictatorial regimes.
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version of
Nigeria during the rule of General Abacha, although it's more of a satirical commentary than a strict representation of historical events. The story revolves around General Basha Bash, who stages a
145:. Through comedy and storytelling, the play critiques power, corruption, and the cult of personality, leaving a lasting impression as a poignant commentary on political absurdity.
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in
Nigeria through absurdity and humor. It follows the transformation of General Basha Bash into King Baabu, portraying his reign with a cast of characters speaking in a childish
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and the abuse of power. As the curtain falls, the audience is left to ponder the timeless lesson in the theater of politics, absurdity often reigns supreme.
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for the characters, reminiscent of Alfred Jarry's "Ubu Roi," adds to the satirical tone of the narrative, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
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displayed during
General Abacha's regime, with parallels drawn between the events in the novel and real-life political dynamics. The use of a childish
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King Baabu takes center stage on serving as a mirror reflecting the dictatorial rule of
General Basha Bash, a thinly veiled portrayal of Nigeria's
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137:. Wole Soyinka was the first African to win the Nobel Prize award in 1986. King Baabu is a satirical play that mirrors the rule of
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and declares himself King Baabu, symbolizing the arbitrary and dictatorial nature of his rule.
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304:"Nobel Prize Museum | Meet Wole Soyinka, Laureate in Literature"
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King Baabu: a play in the manner--roughly--of Alfred Jarry
279:"The Lion and the Jewel | play by Soyinka | Britannica"
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186:King Baabu (formerly General Basha Bash)
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430:"King Baabu... The Plunder Of A Land"
405:"King Baabu... The Plunder Of A Land"
168:Through "King Baabu," Soyinka blends
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119:amongst his others plays including
331:. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
383:. Methuen drama. London: Methuen.
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302:Stenström, Mattias (2017-06-01).
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436:. 2015-09-26
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411:. 2015-09-26
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265:References
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112:King Baabu
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