POWER, DOMINANCE AND RESISTANCE IN ESIABA IROBI’S NWOKEDI AND AKACHI ADIMORA-EZEIGBO’S HANDS THAT CRUSH STONE

ABSTRACT

This paper investigates the concepts of power, dominance, and resistance in Irobi's Nwokedi and Adimora- Ezeigbo's Hands that Crush Stone. It reveals the complexities of the oppression and subjugation experienced by the impoverished masses at the hands of their leaders or employers. The Marxist ideology serves as the theoretical framework for this study, unveiling the class struggles depicted in the plays. It also scrutinizes the severe exploitation endured by the masses in a capitalist society and the imperative of resisting oppression in the pursuit of a socialist society. Data collection and analysis are done using the qualitative research approach. The findings suggest that class relations, as shown in the two plays, are marked by oppression and conflicts, with the wealthy and powerful class continuously taking advantage of the rest of society. To establish equality and justice in society, this repugnant culture should be destroyed by a drastic strategy that aims to topple the ruling affluent elite. Thus, the two plays are an attempt to advocate for a reform and social justice worldview while highlighting social inequity and oppression through the use of drama as a medium.