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The Convert: A Modern Play that Explores Identity, Faith, and Colonialism

Joseph Conrad

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Published in The Convert (Oberon Modern Plays)

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The Convert is a powerful and evocative play that delves into the complex themes of identity, faith, and colonialism. Written by Danai Gurira, a Zimbabwean-American playwright, the play tells the story of a young woman named Esther who converts to Christianity during the height of British colonialism in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).

A Tale of Identity and Faith

The play opens with Esther, a young woman who is torn between her traditional African beliefs and the allure of Christianity. She is drawn to the teachings of the Christian missionaries who have come to her village, promising salvation and a better life. At the same time, she is deeply connected to her own culture and traditions.

The Convert (Oberon Modern Plays)

by Danai Gurira

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	549 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	88 pages

As Esther explores her faith, she faces a series of challenges and conflicts. She is ostracized by her community and faces discrimination from the white settlers. She also struggles with the complexities of her own beliefs, questioning the teachings of the missionaries and seeking a deeper understanding of her own spirituality.

The Impact of Colonialism

The Convert is not merely a story about faith; it is also a powerful indictment of colonialism. The play shows how the arrival of the British settlers disrupted the lives of the African people, destroying their traditions and imposing a foreign culture upon them.

Esther's conversion to Christianity is seen as a symbol of her submission to the colonial powers. The missionaries use the power of religion to control the Africans, promising them salvation in exchange for obedience. However, Esther eventually comes to realize the true nature of the colonial system and rejects the missionaries' teachings.

A Complex and Compelling Character

Esther is a complex and compelling character who embodies the struggles of her people. She is a strong and independent woman who is willing to stand up for her beliefs. However, she is also vulnerable and confused, struggling to find her place in a changing world.

Esther's journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. She is a character who is easy to sympathize with, and her struggles resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost or alone.

A Powerful and Thought-Provoking Play

The Convert is a powerful and thought-provoking play that explores important themes of identity, faith, and colonialism. Gurira's writing is sharp and insightful, and her characters are complex and relatable. The play is a must-see for anyone who is interested in these issues or who simply wants to experience a great piece of theater.

Long Descriptive Keywords for Alt Attribute

* A young African woman stands alone in a field, her face painted with traditional tribal markings. She is wearing a simple dress and has her hair pulled back in a ponytail. She looks out at the horizon with a determined expression. * A group of missionaries are gathered around a fire, singing hymns. They are all wearing white robes and have their heads bowed in prayer. * A young woman is being baptized in a river. She is wearing a white dress and has her hands clasped together. A missionary is pouring water over her head. * A group of African men are gathered around a tree, talking and laughing. They are all wearing traditional African clothing. * A young woman is sitting in a church, listening to a sermon. She is wearing a simple dress and has her head covered with a headscarf.

The Convert (Oberon Modern Plays)

by Danai Gurira

4.8 out of 5