What is afro-Asian drama?

Afro-Asian drama is a term used to describe plays, films, and other dramatic works that explore the cultural, social, and political issues facing people of African and Asian descent. These works often focus on themes of identity, discrimination, racism, and colonialism, and can range from comedies to tragedies, from realism to experimental, from the deeply personal to the broadly political.

The history of Afro-Asian drama can be traced back to the early 20th century, when playwrights like Marcus Garvey and W.E.B. Du Bois began to incorporate themes of racial justice and black pride into their work. In the years that followed, African and Asian playwrights produced a rich and diverse body of dramatic works that addressed the challenges and aspirations of their communities.

Some of the most well-known and influential Afro-Asian plays include:

* *A Raisin in the Sun* by Lorraine Hansberry (1959)

* *The Death of Bessie Smith* by Edward Albee (1961)

* *Dutchman* by Amiri Baraka (1964)

* *The River Niger* by Joseph A. Walker (1973)

* *Sarafina!* by Mbongeni Ngema (1987)

* *Yellow Fever* by R.A. Shiomi (1981)

* *In the Heart of America* by Chay Yew (1993)

* *Disgraced* by Ayad Akhtar (2013)

Afro-Asian drama has made a significant contribution to world literature and theater, and continues to provide a vital platform for voices that are often marginalized and silenced. These works offer a nuanced and complex understanding of the experiences of people of African and Asian descent, and challenge us to rethink our assumptions about race, identity, and power.