Zusammenfassung
In an ideal Ghanaian traditional setting, age is conceived more from a physiological dimension than from the perspective of chronological age. The categorization of chronological age according to Ghanaian culture embraces components such as “matured person […] advanced age […] well advanced in age” (Apt 1996, p.17). It is within the framework of the categorization, “advanced in age,” that the paper aims to explore the social and cultural role of Aberewa (oldwoman) in Bill Marshall’s5 play entitled Asana (2013). In the process of exploring such a role, the paper, with illustrations from the Ghanaian play, debunks certain stereotypes and assumptions that are often associated with older adults, specifically women. The paper, with gerontological concepts in mind, further examines old age as the apex of community wisdoms and history, as Bill Marshall presents it, but illustrates that such wisdoms are embedded in society in spite of remarkable historical challenges. Moreover, the paper seeks to demonstrate how younger generations are prepared to embrace the responsibility of society, as older adults insist on the eminence of folklore as they plan their exit.
I wish to thank colleagues who made valuable corrections to this paper, especially to PD Dr. Tobias Klein for his insightful remarks and also for his provision of research material on Ghanaian history in general and Akan culture in particular.
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Chiangong, P.M. (2018). A Critical Analysis of the Role of Aberewa (Old Woman) in Bill Marshall’s Ghanaian Play Asana (2013). In: Reitinger, E., Vedder, U., Chiangong, P. (eds) Alter und Geschlecht. Kulturelle Figurationen: Artefakte, Praktiken, Fiktionen. Springer VS, Wiesbaden. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-20872-1_10
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