Maltreatment, Greed and Self-Centeredness in Myke VaGraam’s Play <i>Some Mother’s SONS</i>

Abstract

This paper investigates the plight of the poor masses in the play Some Mother’s Sons, a post-apartheid play of South African setting. The manner in which the ruling class maltreat and brutalise the masses gives the author some concerns hence the play. In the midst of these experiences the masses struggle to free themselves from exploitation, oppression and subjugation. The play further exposes the extent to which some leaders abuse the powers vested in them. This experience can be likened to what exists in most African nations. The leaders exploit the ruled to their advantage in their quest for wealth at the expense of the poor. The recent aftermath of The Gambian 2016 presidential election readily comes to mind. Also, the Nigerian electoral experience is not left out. The attitude of oppression and maltreatment by the leaders give rise to various protests expressed by the ruled world-wide, this is a common behaviour among the oppressed. The Marxist theory which reflects the class conflict will be used to address the issues raised in the play. The play concludes with the opinion that, protest and possibly violence remain the alternative means to addressing the various forms of intimidation, maltreatment, slavery among others that trail the common man in the societies of the world.

Keywords: Poor masses, Oppression, Ruling class, Protest, Struggle