Aspects of Classical Greek Tragedy in Tsegaye Gebremedhin’s Oda Oak Oracle

Abstract

This paper explores some salient features of classical Greek drama reflected in modern Ethiopian drama through the analysis of Oda Oak Oracle, a play by Tsegaye Gebremedhin. The parallels between the two dramatic works that are remotely related in spatio-temporal setting have been studied by examining the striking similarities between Sophocles’ Oedipus the King (5^th century B.C.) and Tsegaye’s Oda Oak Oracle (1965). The temporal gap can be bridged by arguing that great literature is timeless in its appeal. Comparative textual analysis has been used as a basic method in the paper. Primary data that substantiate the central arguments of the paper have been drawn from the plays under study through close reading. Secondary data have been gathered from related literature on the subject. Theory has been drawn from the principles underpinning classical Greek tragedy. Through close reading and analysis, it has been established that the two plays demonstrate striking parallels in terms of plot construction, thematic preoccupation, character delineation and dramatic techniques.