A Dance of the Forests by Wole Soyinka

 Hello Everyone,

This blog is a response to a thinking activity task assigned by Megha ma’am. Which is based on the African Play ‘A Dance of the Forests’ by Wole Soyinka.

#About Playwright: Wole Soyinka

Wole Soyinka, the playwright of A Dance of the Forests, is one of the most important dramatists and intellectuals from Africa. He wrote A Dance of the Forests at a time when Nigeria was gaining independence. He did not write a nationalist drama, but instead wrote a highly symbolic play that questioned the glorification of the past. He uses Yoruba myths, ghosts, and rituals to show that history is not heroic or pure but rather cyclical and complex. Soyinka’s vision in A Dance of the Forests reflects his idea that freedom requires accountability. He criticizes corruption, pride, and lack of morals in the past and present by showing that one needs to face the truth. He uses a bold and critical approach in A Dance of the Forests, showing that he cares about society and that his work should be thought-provoking.

#About Play: A Dance of the Forests

A Dance of the Forests is a symbolic and complex drama written by Wole Soyinka and premiered in 1960 as part of Nigeria’s Independence celebrations. Rather than glorifying the past, this play questions the idea of blindly celebrating history and tradition. This play is set in a mystical forest where the living call upon their noble ancestors to consecrate a national festival. Instead of noble spirits, however, the Dead Man and the Dead Woman appear, symbolizing guilt, corruption, and crimes committed in the past. Through his characters, Demoke, Rola, Adenebi, Forest Head, Ogun, etc., Soyinka portrays themes of moral accountability, history repeating itself, pride, etc., which ultimately leads to a message that real freedom comes not through false pride in a glorified history but through self-accountability.

Write a proposed alternative end of the play 'A Dance of the Forest' by Wole Soyinka. (1000 to 1500 words)

1.1 Introduction

A Dance of the Forests by Wole Soyinka is a complex symbolic drama that exposes the moral failures of the past and questions blind celebration of national independence. In the original conclusion of A Dance of the Forests, Soyinka presents a cyclical vision of history, suggesting that human beings continue to repeat their mistakes.

This proposed alternative ending retains the spiritual and mythic structure of the play but introduces the possibility of conscious transformation. Instead of ending with unresolved tension and historical repetition, this version imagines that the living characters actively confront their guilt and choose moral renewal.

1.2 The Setting of the Alternative Ending

The alternative ending begins in the forest clearing after Demoke’s confession of pushing Oremole from the sacred tree. The Dead Man and Dead Woman still stand between the worlds of the living and the dead, demanding recognition rather than honour.

The totem carved from the sacred araba tree remains standing. It represents national pride, artistic ambition, and false glory. The forest is silent, and the presence of Ogun and Forest Head is felt strongly. The living characters—Demoke, Rola, and Adenebi—are emotionally shaken.

1.3 Demoke’s Moral Transformation

In this alternative ending, Demoke does not remain passive after his confession. Instead, he takes full responsibility for his crime. He recognizes that the totem he carved was not merely an artistic creation but a monument built upon envy, pride, and bloodshed.

Demoke declares that a nation cannot stand firmly on a foundation of guilt and illusion. He realizes that celebrating independence while hiding moral corruption would repeat the mistakes of the past.

In a symbolic act of repentance and renewal, Demoke takes his axe and strikes the totem. Each blow represents his rejection of pride and false ambition. By destroying his own masterpiece, he sacrifices personal glory for truth.

This act interrupts the cycle of denial and becomes the turning point of the play.

 1.4  Rola’s Awakening and Acceptance

Rola (Madame Tortoise), who once justified her actions as survival, experiences a deep inner change in this version. When the Dead Woman reminds her that power without responsibility leads to destruction, Rola does not respond with sarcasm or defiance.

Instead, she reflects on her past. She admits that she used men for her advantage and mistook manipulation for independence. She recognizes that her actions contributed to moral decay rather than freedom.

When Demoke begins to destroy the totem, Rola joins him. She places her hand over his on the axe and helps bring it down. This symbolizes her willingness to participate in rebuilding society based on honesty rather than deception.

Her transformation shows that redemption is possible through acknowledgment and responsibility.

1.5 Adenebi’s Realization and Commitment to Truth

Adenebi initially opposes the destruction of the totem. As a symbol of rhetorical nationalism, he believes that the people expect heroic ancestors and glorious stories. He fears that exposing the flaws of the past will weaken the nation’s pride.

However, Forest Head confronts him with a powerful truth: independence without moral integrity is meaningless. Empty speeches cannot create genuine progress.

Gradually, Adenebi realizes that his own speeches often hide corruption and injustice. He understands that national celebration must not be based on illusion.

In the alternative ending, Adenebi accepts the difficult responsibility of telling the people the truth. He resolves to abandon false glorification and encourage honest self-examination. His transformation represents the reform of leadership and public discourse.

1.6 Reconciliation with the Dead

The Dead Man and Dead Woman do not disappear until they are acknowledged. Their demand is not revenge but recognition of historical suffering.

Once Demoke, Rola, and Adenebi openly accept their guilt and reject false pride, the spirits begin to fade peacefully. The Dead Woman emphasizes that forgiveness cannot be demanded—it must be earned through changed actions.

The Dead Man urges the living to “choose differently.”

Their peaceful departure symbolizes reconciliation between past and present. Unlike the unresolved tension of the original ending, this version offers conditional closure based on awareness.

1.7 Symbolism of the Fallen Totem

The destruction of the totem forms the climax of this alternative ending. The totem, once towering and proud, falls to the ground. Its collapse symbolizes the fall of illusion, arrogance, and superficial nationalism.

After it falls, sunlight filters into the clearing. Where the totem once stood, a small green shoot begins to grow.

This new plant symbolizes renewal rooted in humility rather than pride. It suggests that true nation-building must begin close to the earth—with honesty, responsibility, and ethical action.

1.8 The Message of Forest Head and Ogun

Forest Head reveals that festivals are not masks to hide guilt but mirrors to reflect truth. He declares that freedom is not escape from consequence but the courage to face it.

Ogun, the god of iron and creativity, reminds Demoke that tools are neutral; it is human intention that determines whether creation becomes destruction.

Before departing, Forest Head states that “the dance is never finished.” This line preserves Soyinka’s philosophical tone. History may continue, but human beings have the power to alter its direction through conscious choice.

1.9 The Final Movement: Return to Society

At dawn, the living characters prepare to return to the town where the festival of independence awaits. They do not return as heroes or as victims. They return as individuals who have confronted the truth.

Demoke resolves to create art grounded in humility.

Rola resolves to seek freedom without manipulation.

Adenebi resolves to speak honestly, even if it costs him popularity.

Their walk back symbolizes reintegration into society—not as blind celebrants, but as morally awakened citizens.

The forest remains behind them as a sacred space of truth and moral testing.

1.10 Conclusion

This proposed alternative ending maintains the mythic and ritualistic tone of A Dance of the Forests while offering a more hopeful perspective. Instead of emphasizing endless repetition of historical mistakes, it highlights the possibility of transformation through responsibility.

The fall of the totem symbolizes rejection of illusion.

The acknowledgment of guilt symbolizes moral courage.

The growth of a new plant symbolizes renewal.

The central message of this alternative ending is that independence and national pride must be grounded in ethical awareness. Without confronting the past, society remains trapped in cycles of corruption. However, when individuals consciously choose truth over illusion, change becomes possible.

Thus, the dance of history continues—but in this version, the dancers move with awareness, responsibility, and the hope of a better future.

Refrences:

Bhatt, Yesha. A Dance of the Forests - Wole Soyinka. 12 Jan. 2022, yeshab68.blogspot.com/2022/01/a-dance-of-forests-wole-soyinka.html. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.

Soyinka, Wole. A Dance of the Forests. 1971.

Thank You!