In my play, the Woman of Nzaui, I followed the guidelines outlined below and the result was quite electrifying. Frankly, although I had put the best of my effort in the dramatic piece, I had not expected a “modern crowd” to be as participative and enthusiastic as it was. If you are like me, you probably know the thrill of watching a crowd get involved in your creativity. It is extremely rewarding. Here are the ingredients:

The Plot Fosters Societal Values

Remember that an African story is community-based. This is so because of the African social structures. Communal structures are to be found in all African societies. With this structure, compliance with social norms is important. In deed, the traditional artist was maintained by the community to ensure compliance with societal norms.

Story Characters

That means that the main character (or characters as is often the case) of An African story is a person fighting against some social norms. He may, for instance, not like the idea of sharing what he gets. This greed (you may also call it individualism) sets him apart and makes him a story. He goes through a series of failures that make him return to the society a reformed person. In other words, in an African story the main character moves away from communal ideals. And he must return reformed, having learned a new lesson and the need to support the community.

Repeated Verbs Prolong Strenuous Action

This is where an African story teller is at his best. Movements and actions are often repeated to indicate the time taken. So, for example, in a story about a man who walked for a long time in wilderness, we just don’t add an adverb, we repeat the verb. Thus we say: “He walked and walked and walked and walked…” and go on for as long as we want.

The purpose of this repetition is to allow for audience participation. The audience participates by repeating the verb, “walked” together with the narrator. The repetition also keeps listeners focused on the story. And finally it creates light moments in the narrative.

A Song Continues the Story

African stories include songs. They are not just songs to sing-they are songs that continue the story. Take an example of a story about two girls who are step sisters (polygamous families are significant part of African life. Because of this, there are many stories calculated to emphasize to women the need to live harmoniously with step children). The children in the story will tell their side of it through songs. Through songs they will talk to each other, explain their relationship with a discriminating mother and their joy when they are together.

The songs also establish the mood and keep audience interested and participative. In most cases, it is the song that is left in the minds of the audience.

Ending is Predictable but Refreshing

The ending is refreshing although often predictable. When the rebel learns his lesson, he returns to the community. His return is a communal affair. Character change is what the community wants. Everyone in the community therefore rejoices. The end is marked by community rejoicing and feasting when the rebel returns home reformed.