Women and Ethiopian Theatre

Performing arts like music, dance and drama have accompanied various aspects of traditional life and festivities in which both male and female participants have been active, using them as a form of human self-expression. In modern forms of art, especially theatre, however, the participation of women in the male-dominated industry has been very limited, and history has a big role to play in that.

Theatre is a recent phenomenon in Ethiopia. It started in the early 20th century with the emergence of modern educational systems of western concept in the country. Though art in general was not imported as a part of modern schooling packages, it has recently been introduced by Ethiopians who were sent abroad for a higher education.

Read Meaza Worku's article in 'Seasons', the Journal of the International Centre for Women Playwrights