“Un théâtre d’intervention”: Two Congolese adaptations of Shakespeare

Abstract

This paper discusses two post-colonial adaptations of Shakespeare by playwrights from the Republic of Congo. The Hamlet adaptation focuses on Gertrude as a product of forced marriage and the role of spirits in Kongo society. The adaptation of Romeo and Juliet is a radical re-working of the tragedy to highlight the political and violent nature of the post-independence African society.