In this collection of essays written from different critical perspectives, African playwrights demonstrate through their art that they are not only witnesses, but also consciences, of their societies. Their works bear witness to the strivings of African people as they challenge the vices that continue to plague the continent, including neo-colonialism, dictatorship, corruption, nepotism, inter-ethnic conflicts, poverty, gender inequality and HIV/AIDS.;This anthology, which also emphasises the existence of a link or a sense of organic continuity within African literary tradition between the pre-colonial and post-colonial forms of drama and theatre, is designed to be a guide to students and scholars of African literature and society.