ISBN 9789956616053
Pages 112
Dimensions 203 x 127 mm
Published 2010
Publisher Langaa RPCIG, Cameroon
Format Paperback

Rock of God

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.

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Reviews

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

About the Author

J.K. Bannavti

JK Bannavti was born in Sob, Bui Division in northwestern Cameroon, and now lives with his family in North Plainfield NJ, USA. Author of The Reapers and Freed into Jail (2007), Bannavti has worked as a Theatre actor and director in Cameroon and has taught English in the Bronx Community College of the City University of New York, and Maritime College of the State University of New York.

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