The Limitations of the Marxist Ideals in the Plays of Femi Osofisan: A Study of Once upon Four Robbers and Morountodun

Abstract

This work examines Once Upon Four Robbers and Morountodun by Femi Osofisan to debunk the much touted assumptions by his readers and critics that his plays are pure Marxist dramaturgy.  The work argues that though Osofisan is a Marxist writer who demands social change in favor of the oppressed and the downtrodden masses in the society as the themes of his plays express, the texts lack Marxist spirit to significant degree.  The reason being that, difference, departure, and even superiority are often hastily read into his works.  In addition, dialogues in the texts are intra-class rather than inter-class.  This negates the concept of labour struggle and Marxist doctrines where dialogue is between two opposing forces.  Moreover, as a dramatist, Osofisan’s theory of aesthetics is sometimes compromised by practice. All these are what this work tends to examine and interrogate.