written by J.K. Bannavti
{Rock of God} centres on a significant war that Nso fought with Bamoun in the 1880s, and which war resulted in a devastating defeat for the Bamouns. During this war, a major Nso combat rule was broken: the Sultan (king) of Bamoun was decapitated. Both local story tellers and historians have indicated that the Sultan was only supposed to be captured alive. The play explores some very compelling reasons for this violation. It mocks any attempt at categorization because the events involved are as historically relevant as they are anthropologically profound; as literarily dense as they are linguistically compelling. It surely stands on its own because it clearly combines concepts of docu-drama, morality play, classical theatre, historical drama, and much more. But beyond all else, it is great artistry that demonstrates the genius of experimentation.
| ISBN | 9789956616053 |
| Pages | 112 |
| Dimensions | 203 x 127 mm |
| Published | 2010 |
| Publisher | Langaa RPCIG, Cameroon |
| Format | Paperback |
4 comments
“Rock of God revitalizes the Nso language, while the use of songs and dance, poetic praise chants and proverbs culturally enrich the play.”
Dr Asheri Kilo, Technical Adviser, Ministry of Culture, Yaounde, Cameroon
“JK Bannavti reinvents both legend and myth in the deconstruction of territorial expansionism between the Momban and Bamkov (Bamun and Nso). The play is a demonstration of the fact that leadership should at all times inspire confidence, trust, courage, steadfastness… in matters of state.”
Bole Butake, Professor of African Theatre, University of Yaounde 1, Cameroon
“Rock of God is a masterful stroke of dramaturgy that compresses both time and situation to enhance its own structural credibility.”
Dr Shey Shiyghan S. Shemlon, Nso Notable
“A fascinating insight into Nso mythology, history and culture… a literary chef-d’oeuvre and a reference for historians and cultural anthropologists.”
Dibussi Tande, author of No Turning Back: Poems of Freedom