Yanke

The discontented people of Yanke are represented by a selection of beggars, students, workers and a discontented painter who refuses to use his skills for preparing for the visit of the neighbouring ruler.

Niyi Osundare's "State Visit" Winner of the Prince Claus Award 2006 2007

It is obvious that Yanke is a failed state, lacking all forms of welfare for its people and the similarity to the Nigerian situation is extremely disturbing to this reader.

Niyi Osundare's "State Visit" Winner of the Prince Claus Award 2006 2007

The location is the fictional Yanke, which appears to be a thin veil for Nigeria itself and the antagonists are the ruler of the country simply known as “Head” and his entire cabinet of ministers.

Niyi Osundare's "State Visit" Winner of the Prince Claus Award 2006 2007

Even today, in modern day Nigeria, it is obvious that parallels may be drawn between the cabinet of Yanke, deaf to the entreaties and sufferings of its people and the ruling government in Modern day Nigeria peppered with members of the ruling political parties.

Archive 2007-03-01 Winner of the Prince Claus Award 2006 2007

The Narrator who set us on the path to an understanding of the play ends the performance and it appears as if the future of Yanke is in the hands of the people and whether they will choose to react or be silent.

Archive 2007-03-01 Winner of the Prince Claus Award 2006 2007

The cabinet of Yanke, an obsequious crew that follows its leader, the Hyena of Yanke to the point of absurdity in his various schemes are given curious characters by the playwright bordering on the farcical.

Archive 2007-03-01 Winner of the Prince Claus Award 2006 2007

The cabinet of Yanke, an obsequious crew that follows its leader, the Hyena of Yanke to the point of absurdity in his various schemes are given curious characters by the playwright bordering on the farcical.

Niyi Osundare's "State Visit" Winner of the Prince Claus Award 2006 2007

The Narrator is left to finish the story in the end, saying that “Yanke will never be the same again” and indeed the songs of opposition are heard continuing despite the deaths of several citizens at the hands of the law enforcement agents of Yanke.

Niyi Osundare's "State Visit" Winner of the Prince Claus Award 2006 2007

It is obvious that Yanke is a failed state, lacking all forms of welfare for its people and the similarity to the Nigerian situation is extremely disturbing to this reader.

Archive 2007-03-01 Winner of the Prince Claus Award 2006 2007

The Narrator is left to finish the story in the end, saying that “Yanke will never be the same again” and indeed the songs of opposition are heard continuing despite the deaths of several citizens at the hands of the law enforcement agents of Yanke.

Archive 2007-03-01 Winner of the Prince Claus Award 2006 2007