When an artist creates a work of art with the intention of expressing personal feelings or experiences, they often aim to release pent-up emotions or thoughts through their creation. This statement reflects how Wole Soyinka views writing plays as a means to convey and perhaps liberate internal ideas that might otherwise remain bottled up inside.
On a deeper level, this quote underscores the therapeutic aspect of artistic expression. For writers like Soyinka, putting pen to paper is not merely about telling stories or entertaining an audience; it is fundamentally about personal catharsis. By crafting plays, he provides himself with a platform to articulate and process complex emotions, thoughts, or grievances that might otherwise remain unspoken. This kind of creative venting can serve as a form of emotional cleansing, offering clarity and relief from the burden of internal turmoil.
Wole Soyinka is a renowned Nigerian playwright, poet, novelist, and essayist who has been at the forefront of African literature for several decades. Born in 1934, he is celebrated not only for his literary works but also for his activism and contributions to human rights and democracy. His plays often explore themes of political oppression, cultural identity, and social injustice, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to using literature as a tool for societal change and personal expression.
