The title of Wole Soyinka's play, The Bacchae of Euripides: A Communion Rite , clearly indicates that this play is associated with the original Bacchae written by Euripides over 2000 years ago and its subtitle suggests the possibility of a theme relating to the Christian ritual of Eucharist, symbolising Christ's sacrificial death. In The Bacchae Dionysus requires Pentheus's death to appease his anger in order to bestow his blessings of wine, fertility and life upon his followers. It is the influence of Soyinka's African political and religious background that interweaves the original play by Euripides into his personal fight against the violation of human rights and political suppression, which occurred in Nigeria during the sixties and seventies . He also uses his ancestral religion by incorporating some of the qualities of the African god Ogun, into the qualities of Dionysus. Undoubtedly, Soyinka has retained the basic structure and plot of Euripides' Bacchae but he has also created a script that is unique in its own right.
Alabama Theatre / Alabama Theater / Birmingham
Alabama Theatre
The Bacchae 02When comparing the differences and similarities between these two plays, it is important to consider the type of theatre spaces that exist in Greek and modern theatre, the contrast of conventions that dictate actor and audience participation, the relevant religious and social conditions that influenced the authors and, most importantly, the theatrical and dramatic elements that each playwright has utilised.
The Bacchae is consistent with the Ancient Greek classical style of prologue, parados, five episodes/ stasimon and exodus. Its linear storyline is mirrored in the Communion Rite. Although, it is evident that Soyinka has made significant changes to the original text, which is seen by the addition of the early scene between Dionysus and Tiresias, the omission of the chorus's parados, the addition of the bridal dream scene and the final communal celebratory...